Biden says Norfolk Southern must be held accountable for Ohio derailment but won’t declare disaster

Published September 21, 2023 10:13 AM

By JOSH FUNK
Associated Press

President Joe Biden ordered federal agencies to hold Norfolk Southern accountable for its February derailment in eastern Ohio and appoint a FEMA official to oversee East Palestine’s recovery, but he stopped short of declaring a disaster. The lack of a disaster declaration has been a key concern for many residents of the area where the derailment happened near the Ohio-Pennsylvania border. Officials have said this situation doesn’t easily fit the definition of a disaster because Norfolk Southern is paying to clean up the mess and help the town recover. Still, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine requested a disaster declaration back in July to make sure any unmet needs would be covered.

Article Topic Follows: AP-National

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