A Norfolk Southern train carrying hazardous materials derailed two years ago in East Palestine, Ohio, leaving lasting repercussions for my family and our community. The impact stretched across 16 states, even reaching parts of Canada. I still vividly remember witnessing a massive fireball from my driveway, an image that felt straight out of a nightmare, especially after I’d just put my two little kids to bed.
The derailment sparked a chemical fire that raged for several days. Reports suggest that Norfolk Southern and their contractors didn’t provide vital information during this time. This included details about the dangers associated with the release of 1.1 million pounds of vinyl chloride, a known carcinogen tied to various cancers, as later outlined in a federal lawsuit.
The thick, black smoke filling the skies in Ohio and Pennsylvania was terrifying. Soon after, many local residents started experiencing troubling symptoms—headaches, nosebleeds, skin rashes, and respiratory issues, among others.
Even now, these health problems linger for many, and countless people remain anxious about potential cancer diagnoses.
The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) prompt response in East Palestine highlights its critical role in managing disasters that can have long-term effects on public health and the economy. They made sure Norfolk Southern was held accountable, utilizing all available enforcement measures to ensure compliance with federal regulations. Their efforts led to extensive cleanup operations, removing over 224,000 tons of contaminated soil, 74 million gallons of wastewater, and gathering 115 million data points for environmental monitoring.
The EPA reached out to more than 1,200 visitors through a Community Welcome Center, which helped organize community groups to keep residents informed and coordinate efforts with various governmental partners. Many EPA staff dedicated significant time to the cleanup, often spending more time in East Palestine than with their own families, demonstrating their commitment to the local population.
Was the EPA’s response flawless? No. But, without their oversight, it’s hard to believe that Norfolk Southern would prioritize public safety over cost savings. Sadly, the reality is that the EPA, along with other organizations, responds to about 30,000 environmental and health crises every year.
During the first few months of the second term of the Trump administration, the EPA faced budget cuts of up to 55%, leading to significant layoffs that affected key areas like research and emergency response, including programs crucial for monitoring air and water quality.
Budget reductions can severely impact disaster responses, leading to slower mobilization and ineffective assessments. With less monitoring, we end up with unreliable data, potentially increasing risks to public health.
Inadequate cleanup can lead to enduring health and economic repercussions for communities. Without investment in education and science initiatives, residents may lack the understanding and tools needed to safeguard their health and environment.
Moreover, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin has significantly undermined the agency’s mission. He has initiated a review of critical findings that classify certain greenhouse gases as pollutants, which poses risks to human health. Instead of reinforcing protections against such pollutants, recent announcements suggested ways for major polluters, including coal plants, to seek exemptions from essential regulations. Plans to ease restrictions on toxic “forever chemicals” in drinking water also raises alarm.
These decisions are not just misguided; they’re hazardous. This isn’t merely a political issue; it’s a human one that could lead to serious consequences if we’re not careful.
The U.S. readily incurs costs to protect citizens from external threats. We ought to apply the same dedication to safeguard against harmful chemicals and pollutants released by industrial operations.
On February 3, 2023, it was East Palestine; next time, it could be your community. If the EPA continues to face funding shortages and these regulatory rollbacks persist, who will step in to aid your family during an environmental crisis?
It’s imperative for our national health and safety that we ensure the EPA is appropriately resourced to protect both our environment and our communities.
