Washington, DC – The White House confirmed on Wednesday that President Biden will finally visit East Palestine, Ohio, in February to acknowledge the first anniversary of a toxic derailment that thrust the small community into a health and environmental crisis.
The President has been under scrutiny from political leaders and residents alike for the delayed visit, initially promised just one month after the harrowing incident on February 3, 2023. The announcement did not specify the exact date in February when President Biden is expected to make the visit.
Throughout the past year, the Biden administration has deployed a consistent flow of resources to East Palestine, overseeing cleanup efforts by Norfolk Southern, the rail company responsible for the derailment. The administration maintains its stance that the company should bear the responsibility for cleanup costs and other necessary remedies.
Despite these efforts, mounting political pressure stems from residents expressing deep concerns about lingering contamination, and Republicans seizing the issue for political gain. Former President Donald J. Trump, a likely rival in the upcoming presidential election, visited East Palestine within weeks of the disaster, reassuring the crowd, “You are not forgotten.”
During his visit next month, President Biden will meet with residents affected by the derailment, as per the official announcement from the administration.
The train involved in the incident was carrying over 700,000 pounds of vinyl chloride, a carcinogen used in the production of pipes, furniture, and packaging. The derailment saturated the town’s soil, air, and waterways with toxins, and fires produced substantial, toxic smoke plumes over the village, bordering Pennsylvania.
Michael Regan, the administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (E.P.A.), stated on Wednesday that the agency is “confident” residents are not at risk. Over 176,000 tons of contaminated solid waste and 43 million gallons of wastewater have been removed from East Palestine.
President Biden signed an executive order in September, directing federal agencies to conduct ongoing environmental and health assessments to ensure Norfolk Southern meets the community’s needs. Additionally, a coordinator from the Federal Emergency Management Agency has been appointed to oversee long-term recovery efforts. However, a federal disaster declaration for the state remains pending while assessments are completed, officials said Wednesday.
A disaster declaration would grant the state access to additional federal resources for recovery efforts. Many residents, distrusting Norfolk Southern, seek long-term environmental monitoring and health screenings, along with benefits for potential future illnesses.
The Biden administration has argued against a disaster declaration, asserting that Norfolk Southern is the responsible party. In January, both the mayor and residents of East Palestine sent letters to the White House, urging President Biden to visit and address their ongoing concerns directly.
Mayor Trent Conaway, in a Jan. 12 in a letter he expressed gratitude for the E.P.A. and Transportation Department’s efforts but stressed that “so much more needs to be done.”
Residents, in a separate letter, emphasized the lasting impact on their community and urged President Biden to sign the federal emergency declaration, stating, “While we are strong and resilient people, we also deserve to be heard. We ask you to demonstrate that the highest office in the world does not forsake hardworking Americans in the face of adversity. As the president of the people, by the people, and for the people, we trust that you will act.”
The delayed visit by President Biden raises concerns among residents that the visit may be too little, too late, as they grapple with the enduring aftermath of the toxic derailment.
