Biden’s Long-Awaited Visit to East Palestine After Train Derailment
OAN’s Brooke Mallory
5:25 PM – Friday, February 16, 2024
Less than a year after a Norfolk Southern train derailed in East Palestine, Ohio, spilling dangerous chemicals, President Joe Biden finally took time out of his schedule and paid the small community a visit on Friday.
Biden assured the locals that the U.S. government would perform its duties and stay in the region until the cleanup works were finished after meeting with local leaders and receiving a briefing from the Environmental Protection Agency.
He commended the bravery and tenacity of the community and maintained that they are not “defined by the derailment.” He also chastised Norfolk Southern for failing to take the necessary safety measures with its hazardous cargo.
However, locals in the area expressed frustration that Biden waited a whole year before he decided to make the trek to East Palestine. They also claimed that he has not made any effort to get the small community back on its feet.
“Let me be clear. While there are acts of God, this was an act of greed that was 100% preventable,” Biden said.
The incident on February 3rd, 2023, did not result in any fatalities, but it did cause nausea and headaches, among other symptoms, from the inhalation of toxic chemicals. It additionally prompted anxiety and fears about potential long-term health hazards to rise in the area, affecting both people and animals.
“We’ve tested the air, the water, [and] the soil quality,” Biden continued.
Republicans, particularly former President Donald Trump, who visited the region soon after the derailment, unlike Biden, have criticized the current Democrat president for breaking his commitment to visit soon after the accident.
Biden eventually visited the small community today, around a year later, with impacted locals and authorities, including the town’s mayor, Trent Conaway, who had expressed disapproval towards Biden.
Conaway stated on Friday that the meeting had been “long awaited” and that he intended to concentrate on “things we agree with,” such as the town’s long-term health issues and financial stability.
“We will not be defined by this single event, but rather by our response to it and our perseverance,” Conaway said.
“Holding the train operator accountable” was Biden’s pledge.
“My administration ordered Norfolk Southern to clean up the mess it created and ensure it was done right,” he said. “That includes an executive order I signed to continue our priority to hold Norfolk Southern fully accountable for this disaster and any long-term effects that are able to be identified as time goes on.”
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How did some residents express their frustration with President Biden’s delayed visit and perceived lack of significant efforts to help the community recover?
Title: President Biden Visits Ohio Town One Year After Train Derailment Disaster
Introduction:
Less than a year after a train derailed in East Palestine, Ohio, causing the spill of hazardous chemicals, President Joe Biden made a visit to the small community. During his visit, Biden assured the locals that the U.S. government would fulfill its responsibilities and stay in the region until the cleanup efforts were complete. However, some residents expressed frustration with the delayed visit and claimed that the President has not made significant efforts to help the community recover.
Background:
On February 3rd, 2023, a Norfolk Southern train derailed in East Palestine, Ohio, resulting in the spillage of dangerous chemicals. While the incident did not lead to any fatalities, it caused symptoms such as nausea and headaches among residents who were exposed to the toxic substances. Fears about potential long-term health hazards were also raised in the area, affecting both humans and animals.
Biden’s Visit and Response:
After meeting with local leaders and receiving a briefing from the Environmental Protection Agency, President Biden praised the bravery and tenacity of the affected community. He made it clear that the community should not be defined by the derailment incident and criticized Norfolk Southern for their failure to implement necessary safety measures when transporting hazardous cargo.
Delayed Visit and Local Frustration:
Despite Biden’s assurance that the government would remain involved until the cleanup was complete, some residents expressed frustration that the President waited almost a year before visiting the town. Many criticized Biden for not making any significant efforts to assist the community in their recovery process. Comparisons were drawn to former President Donald Trump, who visited the region soon after the accident, unlike Biden.
The Mayor’s Perspective:
Trent Conaway, the town’s mayor, stated that the meeting with President Biden was long-awaited. He expressed his intention to focus on areas of agreement, such as the town’s long-term health concerns and financial stability. Conaway emphasized that the community would not be defined by the incident but rather by their response to it and their perseverance.
Accountability and Executive Actions:
During his visit, President Biden pledged to hold Norfolk Southern accountable for the disaster. He disclosed that his administration had ordered the company to clean up the mess and take responsibility for any long-term effects that might surface in the future. Biden referenced an executive order he signed, affirming the government’s commitment to ensuring full accountability.
Conclusion:
President Joe Biden’s visit to East Palestine, Ohio, a year after the train derailment and hazardous chemical spill, aimed to reassure the community of the government’s commitment to their recovery efforts. Although some residents expressed frustration with the delayed visit, Biden emphasized his administration’s dedication to holding Norfolk Southern accountable and providing assistance in the long-term aftermath of the incident. Moving forward, healing and rebuilding the affected community will require continued support and collaboration from both government entities and the impacted residents.
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