EPA orders Norfolk-Sothern to clean up toxic pollution.
In the wake of the train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has unveiled freight rail reforms. Freight rail lines will be required to deploy new inspection technologies, phase in newer, safer tank cars, and notify emergency officials in the states of hazardous gas being transported through their area.
“Profit and expediency must never outweigh the safety of the American people,” Secretary Buttigieg stated. “We at [the Department of Transportation] are doing everything in our power to improve rail safety, and we insist that the rail industry do the same – while inviting Congress to work with us to raise the bar.”
Meanwhile, the Environmental Protection Agency has ordered Norfolk-Southern to pay for and clean up the spill of chemicals in Ohio. The EPA’s order, which is legally binding, requires the rail company to identify and clean up contaminated soil and water, and that the EPA be reimbursed for the cleaning it is doing and for public meetings at the agency’s request.
If the company fails to complete the actions ordered b the EPA, the agency stated it will “immediately” conduct the necessary work itself and order Norfolk-Southern to pay triple damages.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For discernment for Secretary Buttigieg as he puts new regulations in place for railway freight.
- For EPA officials as they collaborate with clean-up efforts in Ohio.
- For the health of residents and business owners in Palestine, Ohio, as well as state and local leaders as they endeavor to ensure the safety of the region.
Sources: The Hill, Axios, CNN
