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February 20, 2023

Science Committee Leaders Statement on East Palestine Chemical Crisis

Last Thursday, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael Regan visited the site of the Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio. The February 3 derailment resulted in the release of toxic vinyl chloride. Residents were advised to evacuate for multiple days during a controlled burn, and the town was under a water advisory.

Ranking Member Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), Investigations and Oversight Subcommittee Ranking Member Valerie Foushee (D-NC), Environment Subcommittee Ranking Member Deborah Ross (D-NC), and Congresswoman Emilia Sykes (D-OH) issued the following statement:

“Our thoughts are with the residents of East Palestine as the cleanup effort continues. As members of the Science Committee, we feel strongly that all involved Federal agencies must keep human and environmental health at the forefront as they navigate this crisis. We agree with Administrator Regan that EPA must remain on the ground supporting the community and must hold Norfolk Southern accountable for this disaster. We hope the Committee’s broad oversight authority will help to ensure that the Agency is effectively monitoring the situation and using the best available science to assess all short- and long-term health risks in their guidance to East Palestine residents.”