In a speech Friday, Biden denounced what he described as corporate greed in light of the 2023 crash and called on railroads to introduce more safety measures.
“While there is a work of God, this was an act of greed It was 100 percent preventable,” Biden said.
“We were asking the railway to take more precautions, address the brakes and do anything that hasn’t been addressed. Norfolk Southern has failed to meet that responsibility,” he added.
Biden also said there is “much more work to do” and vowed that the government would continue to support communities.[continuing] to Hold Norfolk South to account…What they cannot perfect, the government will perfect. ”
Norfolk Southern Railway has pledged to cover all cleanup costs, but the Environmental Protection Agency has also invoked so-called Superfund laws that allow railroads to pay for cleanup costs.
Norfolk Southern Railway has defended its response to the train derailment, saying it could incur more than $1 billion in costs related to cleanup and other costs.
Last year, a train operated by Norfolk Southern Railway leaked chemicals including vinyl chloride, which is used to make plastics. Long-term exposure to vinyl chloride is thought to be associated with liver cancer.
The incident also became a political flashpoint, with Republicans previously criticizing Biden for not visiting.
Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel continued her criticism Friday, saying in a written statement, “When the American people are in crisis, true leaders emerge. Joe Biden’s visit… too little, too late”
The Hill has reached out to Norfolk South for comment.
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