President Biden will journey to East Palestine on February 16, simply over a yr for the reason that derailment of a Norfolk Southern practice carrying poisonous chemical substances close to town.
“[T]“The President will journey to East Palestine, Ohio, to debate how the Administration continues to work with state and native officers to carry Norfolk Southern accountable and assist the group because it strikes ahead,” the White Home mentioned in an announcement Saturday.
“The President will focus on his dedication to making sure that the individuals of East Palestine should not outlined by this distinctive occasion and that his administration meets the wants of affected households, companies, and residents,” the discover continued.
The practice that derailed close to town spilled harmful chemical substances, together with vinyl chloride, into the realm, resulting in elevated environmental and well being considerations within the space.
The White Home additionally reported the upcoming journey late final month, however didn’t specify the date on the time. The president's go to to the Ohio metropolis follows his feedback from March of final yr, by which he mentioned he promised to go to “in some unspecified time in the future.”
The president has confronted criticism from Republicans for not making the journey to the Buckeye State metropolis, and his foremost rival for the 2024 presidential race, former President Trump, visited East Palestine in February of final yr to deliver provides and provide assist. to the group.
Senator JD Vance (R-Ohio) lately famous the priority of space voters concerning the scenario.
“Persons are nonetheless involved concerning the cleanup efforts, about ensuring that the group is definitely cleaned up, and they’re fearful concerning the long-term well being penalties,” Vance instructed The Hill.
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