TL/DR –
Residents of East Palestine, Ohio continue to wait for President Biden to visit their community, which was impacted by a train derailment and toxic chemical spill in February. While the White House maintains that a visit is planned when it is most helpful for the community, locals have expressed feelings of neglect, as the situation has become a political issue. Despite efforts by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and Norfolk Southern, the company responsible for the train derailment, to clean up and assess the situation, locals want more assistance, including long-term health care and indoor air monitoring.
East Palestine Residents Await Biden’s Visit Post-Disaster
Jessica Conard from East Palestine felt relief upon hearing that President Biden would visit her community after a disastrous train derailment spill. Months later, she’s still waiting.
Conard, who voted for Biden in 2020, is disillusioned by his absence, especially after he visited Michigan’s striking union workers. The White House maintains that Biden still plans to visit East Palestine.
For many residents, Biden’s absence feels disrespectful. Despite his “working class Joe” image, Biden is seen here as a neglectful Washington insider. His non-visit turned political as conservative commentators used it to sow public distrust in his administration.
After the disaster, Trump visited East Palestine and handed out Make America Great Again hats, telling the crowd: “You are not forgotten.”
Meanwhile, the government has defended its response, stating the Environmental Protection Agency and FEMA have deployed resources and staff to assess health risks.
Biden signed an executive order for ongoing assessments to hold Norfolk Southern accountable for the disaster, and he appointed a FEMA coordinator for long-term recovery.
However, the administration opposes a disaster declaration, saying Norfolk Southern is responsible. Unlike natural disasters, the federal disaster law, the Stafford Act, is designed to make federal funding a last resort.
Yet, local resident Jami Wallace argues that the government should be the one to take care of her community, not Norfolk Southern. She formed the Unity Council for EP Train Derailment to monitor the derailment response and voice the community’s concerns.
Lingering Chemicals
Post-derailment, the Ohio governor declared the air and drinking water safe. Meanwhile, Norfolk Southern spent over $800 million on cleanup, legal costs, and community assistance.
However, health concerns persist, with hundreds reporting issues. The E.P.A. has ordered Norfolk Southern to conduct additional investigations due to “oily sheens” in local creeks.
Federal Response
Biden is under pressure to visit East Palestine. He has stated his decision not to visit is based on timing, and that he’s in constant communication with Ohio officials. Karine Jean-Pierre, White House press secretary, confirmed in September that Biden will visit.
Despite political squabbles, residents continue to suffer. Conard and others have health and housing concerns, and feel ignored by their president, raising questions about where to go when their community feels forgotten by the White House.
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