Join Post reporters as the CEO of Norfolk Southern, Ohio’s U.S. senators and Environmental Protection Agency officials testify before Congress about the aftermath of the train derailment last month in East Palestine, Ohio, which created an environmental catastrophe and became a political flash point. The Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works will hold a hearing focusing on the local, state and federal response to the derailment, as well as efforts to clean up the toxic chemicals that were released.
When the Norfolk Southern train went off the tracks on Feb. 3, several cars burst into flames. Temperatures in one of the cars carrying highly toxic gas began to rise. To avoid a potentially catastrophic explosion, officials signed off on a controlled release of the chemicals. But when residents of East Palestine were cleared to return to their homes days later, some began reporting symptoms such as headaches, nausea, itchy skin and dizziness. Videos showing dead fish circulated online. But state officials said their tests showed the air and water were safe. On March 3, the EPA ordered Norfolk Southern to test the area for dioxins, a dangerous class of pollutants.
The accident quickly turned into a national political battle. President Biden, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and EPA officials have faced criticism over the federal response. East Palestine residents have expressed fury at Norfolk Southern.
Libby Casey will anchor live coverage, along with James Hohmann, in The Washington Post’s newsroom. Rhonda Colvin will be live on Capitol Hill. Read more: https://wapo.st/3YqC0r1. Subscribe to The Washington Post on YouTube: https://wapo.st/2QOdcqK
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