President Biden has made a long-awaited visit to East Palestine, Ohio, more than a year after a train derailment wreaked havoc by spilling toxic chemicals into the community. The President addressed the lingering aftermath of the incident, laying blame on Norfolk Southern for what he termed a result of “greed” compromising safety standards.
During his visit, President Biden expressed the administration’s commitment to holding Norfolk Southern accountable for the train derailment. He underscored a determination to see the recovery efforts through, stating, “we’re not going home until this job is done.” The President met with residents who were directly impacted by the derailment, offering a firsthand assessment of the ongoing recovery processes.
The train derailment, which occurred last year, ignited a prolonged fire that released poisonous fumes, leading to the evacuation of residents from their homes. President Biden’s decision to address the situation now comes after facing criticism for not immediately visiting the town in the immediate aftermath of the incident.
The President’s visit signals an acknowledgment of the enduring challenges faced by the East Palestine community, emphasizing the importance of accountability and swift action in the wake of environmental disasters. As the recovery efforts continue, the visit serves as an opportunity for residents to voice their concerns and witness federal commitment to resolving the aftermath of the train derailment.
