A Senate committee yesterday heard testimony regarding the response to last year’s Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio. A number of rail cars, some carrying hazardous materials, went off the tracks last February in the community not far from Beaver County Pennsylvania. NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy testified that a controlled burn and explosion following the crash was not necessary and that other options were not considered. The NTSB is continuing to prepare their final report on the crash, involving the Norfolk Southern Train. Last year the EPA issued a comprehensive unilateral administrative order holding Norfolk Southern accountable to clean up the mess it created. Since then, the EPA has directed and overseen the extensive cleanup activities conducted by the rail company.
