On Thursday, the administrator of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) visited the site of the freight train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, and introduced himself to the locals as a government official who had come to provide assistance in the aftermath of the accident.
After the disastrous train crash earlier this month, EPA Administrator Michael Regan observed a creek that still smelled of dangerous chemicals. At the Pennsylvania state border, which around 5,000 people call home, he tried to persuade skeptics that the area’s water and air were both safe to drink and breathe.
I want them to have faith in the government. I appreciate your trying so hard. According to AP, Regan stated, “We know there’s a lack of trust.” We’re checking for every item that may have been carried by train.
Breitbart News claimed that Regan’s visit followed a similar one by Senator J.D. Vance (R-OH), who found what seemed to be lingering pollution in the water of a creek in the same location.
Vance stated in a video he shared on Twitter on Thursday, “So I’m here at Leslie Run, and there are dead worms and dead fish throughout this river.” A discovery of mine is that “chemical is coming out of the earth” when you scrape the stream bed.
As for Regan, he used Thursday’s visit to say the government will test anyone afraid to remain at home.
To paraphrase, “people have been scared. They’ve been told to evacuate, he said, adding that he’d be open to returning to the region with his family if tests proved it was safe.
Concerned about the well-being of its employees, Norfolk Southern did not send representatives to the informative meeting the night before, prompting questions and demands for greater clarity from those in attendance.
They haven’t seen any public acknowledgment of their concerns yet.
There have been at least five lawsuits filed against the railroad, and last week the company declared it will establish a $1 million fund to aid the local community.
Company representatives have stated that efforts to clean up contaminated soil and water, as well as keep an eye on air quality, are ongoing.
In a statement to the community, Norfolk Southern President and CEO Alan Shaw said, “We are here and will be here as long as it takes to assure your safety and to assist East Palestine to rebuild and grow.”
There is still a lot of skepticism in East Palestine despite the words of comfort and confidence from visiting government officials.
One local has asked for prayers from the rest of the country after a train disaster on February 3 forced locals to leave their homes in Ohio and Pennsylvania.
The White House has stated that further reaction teams would be sent to East Palestine, assuring the public that everything is well and more information is on the way.
“We get that the locals are worried, and rightfully so; they have questions. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre reacted with understanding. In addition, “we’re going to find out what’s going on here.”