President Joe Biden will visit East Palestine, Ohio this Friday, finally making good on his promise to visit the site of the Norfolk Southern train derailment that released a mixture of toxic chemicals into the environment more than a year ago.
News of the Democrat’s visit comes after he endured heavy criticism from Republicans for failing to visit communities besieged since the February 3, 2023 natural disaster.
“The President will travel to East Palestine, Ohio to discuss how the Administration continues to work with state and local officials to hold Norfolk Southern accountable and support the community as it moves forward,” the White House said in an advisory.
Dozens of cars on a Norfolk Southern freight train carrying toxic chemicals derailed last year, prompting authorities to make a controversial decision to control the blaze, which cast a dark cloud over the community.
The carcinogen is believed to have released highly toxic dioxin after burning and more than 100,000 gallons of vinyl chloride was leaked after the skid.
Plastic synthetic polymers can affect a person’s nervous system and cause long-term health ailments such as liver damage or cancer.
White House officials have defended President Biden’s record amid criticism of the delayed visit. Reuters
At least four other toxic chemicals, including butyl acrylate, ethylhexyl acrylate, ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, and isobutylene also leaked during the derailment, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
The Republican mayor of East Palestine, Trent Conaway, invited Biden to visit the city, which is about an hour’s drive west of Pittsburgh.
A White House official confirmed last month that Biden intends to travel to East Palestine this February, but did not publicly set a date.
Shortly after the derailment, former President Donald Trump stopped by the town of just under 5,000 people, ordered McDonald’s for first responders and community members, and issued “Trump water.”
Democrats like Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg have tried to blame Trump, pointing to deregulation during his time in the White House.
Drone footage captures the controversial controlled burn. AP
“Well, I haven’t had a chance to go to East Palestine,” Biden told reporters in September when asked. “There’s a lot going on here, and I can’t catch a break.”
“I was thinking about whether I would go to East Palestine this week, but I was reminded that I have to go literally around the world,” Biden added, referring to his Group of 20 trip to New Delhi, India that featured a stop in Vietnam.
Toxic chemicals seen in East Palestine. Getty Images A Norfolk Southern freight train is seen after the derailment. AP
Residents in East Palestine have reported a range of fears and health concerns over the long-term outlook following exposure to the dangerous chemical.
“The President will discuss his commitment to ensuring that the people of East Palestine are not defined by this single event, and that his administration meets the needs of affected families, businesses, and residents,” the White House added.
EPA contractors collect samples from the slip site in March 2023. Getty Images
Since the spill, several lawmakers have introduced legislation to tighten rail safety standards, including through the bipartisan Railroad Safety Act.
However, such legislation remains in limbo.
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
