COLUMBUS — Norfolk Southern’s CEO repeated his apologies for the East Palestine train derailment and toxic chemical release, as well as vows to make things right, during his first testimony at the Statehouse since the fiery accident.
Alan Shaw on Tuesday said he supports some additional safety proposals contained in the state transportation budget, but signaled resistance to others, such as two-person crew mandates.
The railroad is facing lawsuits, including one from Ohio’s attorney general over environmental cleanup costs.
Shaw also met with Gov. Mike DeWine to discuss the removal of waste and other progress at the scene of the train derailment in February, as well as the opening of the new East Liverpool City Hospital East Palestine Health Clinic.
The Ohio EPA says approximately 12.6 million gallons of liquid wastewater and 28,600 tons of contaminated soil have been hauled away from the site, leaving approximately 8,900 tons of excavated soil waiting for removal, according to a release from DeWine’s office.
No one was hurt in the Feb. 3 derailment, but half of the nearly 5,000 East Palestine residents were evacuated for days.
Many say they are suffering from health problems such as rashes, headaches and trouble breathing.