Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael Regan said at a press conference on February 16 that Norfolk Southern will “absolutely” be held accountable for the hazardous chemical spill that resulted from the February 3 train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio. He said, “Let me be clear: EPA will exercise our oversight and our enforcement authority under the law to be sure we are getting the results that the community deserves and in coordination with the state.” Authorities in the area have received backlash after a controlled detonation of the highly toxic chemicals has caused air and water contamination with reports from residents of adverse health reactions, mysterious animal illnesses and deaths, and strange weather phenomenon, including an “acid mist.”
