Biden order asks federal agencies to report on East Palestine
WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden on Wednesday ordered federal agencies to take new steps to address the February chemical spill after a Norfolk Southern train derailed in East Palestine, Ohio.
“My administration is committed to supporting the people of
East Palestine and all those affected in surrounding areas of Ohio and Pennsylvania every step of the way, and continuing to hold Norfolk Southern fully accountable under the law,” Mr. Biden said in the executive order.
Under the order, the Federal Emergency Management Agency would name a federal disaster recovery coordinator to oversee the recovery efforts and determine what needs not addressed by the railroad would qualify for federal assistance.
The FEMA coordinator also would work with state and local governments, the private sector and religious and other community groups.
Other federal agencies also were given new tasks to respond to the derailment and subsequent cleanup.
• The Environmental Protection Agency would report within 30 days on air, soil and water monitoring; and whether Norfolk Southern is continuing to comply with the federal mandate to clean up the area and address problems caused by the derailment. The EPA also will provide updates every 60 days afterward until all of its work is completed.
• Within 60 days, the Department of Health and Human Services would report on the public health testing and assessments that have been done so far and what resources will be provided for future health problems. If any acute medical conditions develop, HHS and EPA will look at whether the federal government needs to declare a public health emergency.
• The Department of Transportation would produce a report within 60 days on its actions regarding the derailment, to be updated once the National Transportation Safety Board finishes its investigation.
Earlier this week, Norfolk Southern fulfilled its promise and set up a fund to compensate homeowners in and around East Palestine, including some residents of Beaver County, whose property values decline as a result of the derailment.
Dozens of cars, many of them carrying toxic chemicals such as vinyl chloride, went off the tracks just over the Ohio-Pennsylvania border in February. A controlled release and burn of toxic chemicals days later prompted the evacuation of the Ohio village, sent a plume of black smoke into the skies over Beaver County, and left residents on both sides of the border fearful of the long-term health effects.