Deluzio Releases Statement on Meeting with EPA Administrator in East Palestine, Joins Colleagues in Demanding Answers, Community Resources from Norfolk Southern

Press Release

Today, Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) joined Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael Regan and other elected officials in East Palestine, Ohio, to continue to fight for transparency, answers, and accountability following the February 3, 2023, derailment of a Norfolk Southern train and consequent fire and chemical spill. Congressman Deluzio's constituents just over the Pennsylvania border evacuated their homes, and many more remain concerned about their health, safety, and long-term impact of the derailment. He also sent a letter with several other Members of Congress urging Norfolk Southern to step up and answer for their train's derailment in East Palestine.

"My constituents in western Pennsylvania are scared, confused, and are feeling uncertain for their safety," said Congressman Deluzio. "I was in East Palestine today to be their eyes and ears, to hear about the resources available and the work conducted by the EPA, and to advocate for their best interests directly to Administrator Regan. I remain extremely concerned that Norfolk Southern's pursuit of profit over the public good continues to put our communities at risk. Rest assured I am determined to fight to hold this railroad accountable for the harm and suffering they have caused."

In East Palestine today, Congressman Deluzio visited Sulphur Run, a stream that had some contamination from the derailment, and the EPA Command Center in town. In speaking with federal and officials from the state of Ohio, Congressman Deluzio learned that some residents who are receiving assistance from Norfolk Southern were required to sign waivers of future claims.

"No one should have to sign away rights to check the safety of their home following a disastrous derailment like this," said Congressman Deluzio in response to this news. "I'll be looking into this to make sure my constituents are not forfeiting any of their fights just to keep their families safe. Today, I am joining with my congressional colleagues to call on Norfolk Southern to do more to help impacted communities and households in the region, including providing family assistance to residents in a wider area than just the evacuation zone."

In coordination with five other Members of Congress representing the areas impacted by the Norfolk Southern train derailment, Congressman Deluzio sent a letter to Norfolk Southern Corporation President and CEO Alan Shaw reminding the company that, as the carrier responsible for operating the derailed train, they have a legal and moral obligation to the residents of East Palestine, Ohio, and Darlington Township, Pennsylvania. The Members demanded a response, in writing, on how the company plans to be an active member of response and clean-up operations as well as provide full, adequate, and equitable renumeration for the damages caused to the surrounding communities and environment by the derailment of their train. The letter was also signed by U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA), John Fetterman (D-PA), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), and J.D. Vance (R-OH), and U.S. Representative Bill Johnson (R-OH).

The letter reads, "…for the Ohio and Pennsylvania residents forced from their homes and now living with uncertainty as well as the first responders who responded to the crisis, questions remain about what will be required for the long-term recovery for their families, businesses, organizations, and communities. It is our expectation that Norfolk Southern will not only fulfill its legal responsibilities, but also its moral obligation to make whole those who have had their lives upended through no fault of their own."

Congressman Deluzio's office is maintaining and updating a resource page on his website for the awareness of constituents and the public, and urges constituents reach out to his office with concerns, comments, or testing assistance.

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