(NewsNation) — Rep. Chris Deluzio, D-Pa., wants the Biden administration to pressure Congress into taking action against Norfolk Southern Railway for the train derailment that spilled hazardous chemicals in East Palestine, Ohio.
Deluzio leads the Railway Safety Act, which is intended to “enhance safety procedures” for trains carrying hazardous materials, increase fines for safety violations, require “well-trained” two-person crews aboard every train and provide support for communities impacted by railway disasters.
“It is a travesty that we haven’t seen this bill on the president’s desk yet,” Deluzio said during an appearance on NewsNation’s “The Hill.” “I’m pushing as hard as I can. Folks want to know that these railroads are going to be held to account and forced to operate more safely to protect our communities.”
President Joe Biden has announced that he will visit the train derailment site on a yet-to-be-announced date to meet with residents impacted by the Feb. 3, 2023, crash and subsequent chemical burn. A White House official says it’s in an effort to demonstrate continued commitment to holding Norfolk Southern Railway responsible for the crash and its effects.
“As President Biden has said from the beginning, the administration will continue to support the people of East Palestine and other affected communities for as long as it takes, including by using every available tool to hold Norfolk Southern accountable,” a White House official said in a statement Wednesday.
Some 1,500 residents were told to evacuate following the crash. Fearing an explosion, officials decided to vent and burn five tank cars, releasing 116,000 gallons of the carcinogen vinyl chloride into the air. Later, a toxic plume of smoke smothered the region.
However, three days later, the Environmental Protection Agency said it had not detected contaminants at “levels of concern” and gave the clear for residents to return.
Residents of East Palestine complained of rashes and sickness. They’ve also criticized the government for downplaying their concerns that their community is no longer safe to live in.
NewsNation’s Taylor Delandro contributed to this report.