Staff Reports
President Joe Biden is set to visit East Palestine, Ohio, addressing previous criticism for not visiting the town after a train derailment last year. However, evidence suggests that the area has not been entirely cleaned up despite official assertions.
Residents and a local environmental expert have conducted tests on water and soil near the derailment site, revealing persistent contamination. Local resident Rick Tsai, disillusioned by the government's response, has decided to run for Congress, expressing frustration and suggesting government incompetence or possible nefarious motives.
Resident Shows Off Disturbing State of East Palestine Creeks Ahead of Biden Visit: 'They're Lying to You' https://t.co/PbbihBSC2T
— flagandcross (@flagcrossnews) February 2, 2024
Investigations by Rich McHugh from NewsNation have found ongoing contamination in various stream beds in East Palestine, a year after toxic chemicals were spilled. McHugh criticized the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for boasting about cleanup efforts while overlooking the continuing contamination issue.
In September, the EPA mandated additional testing and cleanup from Norfolk Southern, the responsible railroad company. However, the company is yet to provide results, and the state's EPA denies ongoing contamination, claiming no human health risk.
Independent organization Three Rivers Waterkeeper conducted its own testing, discovering dangerous carcinogens in the area. Heather Hulton Vantassel, the group's executive director, stressed the inadequacy of EPA testing to ensure community safety.
A recent video shows McHugh and Tsai revealing ongoing chemical contamination contradicting the EPA's claims of no water problems just before the one-year anniversary of the spill.
While President Biden's visit is awaited, some believe it would have been more beneficial sooner. Mayor Trent Conaway humorously suggested Biden's visit during his February 2025 book tour. Former President Donald Trump visited shortly after the accident, accompanied by Ohio Senator J.D. Vance.
The residents of East Palestine feel let down by the Biden administration's handling of the train derailment, with persistent contamination and a lack of EPA transparency. Biden's visit may bring attention, but its impact on meaningful action remains uncertain.
