U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) says the federal response to the derailment of a train carrying hazardous materials in Ohio earlier this month has been woefully insufficient. On Feb. 3, the Norfolk Southern train transporting vinyl chloride, benzene, butyl acrylate, and other toxic chemicals derailed near East Palestine, Ohio. Grassley says many Americans are concerned about the ongoing incident, and rightfully so.
Federal officials from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and others have traveled to the scene to advise local governments and assist in the cleanup, but Grassley says that response came too slowly.
The long-term environmental and health effects of the spill are unknown, but the EPA reports chemical levels in the air and drinking water are safe for residents. Norfolk Southern has been ordered to pay for the cost of cleanup and recovery for the small Ohio community.
