Local Activists Demand Stronger Railroad Safety and Accountability
More than a year after a Norfolk Southern freight train derailed in East Palestine, Ohio, activists are still urging the federal government to implement stricter safety measures for railroads.
A Preventable Disaster
On February 3, 2023, a Norfolk Southern freight train carrying hazardous chemicals derailed in East Palestine. The incident led to evacuations within a 1-mile radius and caused some railcars to burn for over two days. In response, emergency crews conducted a controlled burn, which released hydrogen chloride and phosgene into the atmosphere.
Demanding Accountability
Misti Allison, an East Palestine resident and member of Moms Clean Air Force, believes that new leadership at Norfolk Southern is essential for holding the company accountable. She, along with President Joe Biden and various government agencies, believes that safety measures must be increased to prevent similar derailment disasters in the future.
Conflicting Narratives
During his visit to East Palestine, President Biden described the derailment disaster as “preventable” and criticized Norfolk Southern for its failure to address safety concerns adequately. However, a letter from FRA Administrator Amit Bose to Norfolk Southern’s CEO praised the company’s safety efforts, leading to a contradictory narrative within the administration.
Leadership Changes Proposed
Ohio-based Ancora Holdings Group, which owns a significant stake in Norfolk Southern, proposed a management team that includes experienced individuals like former UPS COO Jim Barber, Jr. as CEO and former CSX EVP of Operations Jamie Boychuk as COO. Despite this, Norfolk Southern rejected Ancora’s nominees and announced its own slate of nominees for the upcoming Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
Legislation for Safety
After testifying on Capitol Hill about the derailment, Misti Allison pushed for stronger protections to prevent similar accidents. The proposed Railway Safety Act of 2023, led by U.S. Sens. J.D. Vance and Sherrod Brown, aims to implement stricter safety standards for trains carrying hazardous materials, require two-person crews for all freight trains, limit train length, and increase maximum fines for safety regulation violations.
Holding Railroads Accountable
Allison emphasizes the need for improved safety standards and accountability for freight railroads. She believes that businesses should not prioritize profit over the well-being of families and that leadership within companies like Norfolk Southern should prioritize safety above all else.
Lasting Impact
While Norfolk Southern is nearing the end of its clean-up efforts, the consequences of the derailment will continue to affect the town of East Palestine for years to come. Despite the company’s efforts to make amends, residents are left questioning whether their upgraded water system, the “Home Value Assurance Program,” and the $25 million park upgrade will truly compensate for the catastrophe.
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