The NTSB criticized Norfolk Southern for obstructing its investigation into the 2023 East Palestine train derailment and concluded that the “vent and burn” of vinyl chloride was unnecessary.
Kiley Bense reports for Inside Climate News.
In short:
- The NTSB found that Norfolk Southern obstructed the investigation into the East Palestine derailment, calling the company's actions unethical.
- The controversial “vent and burn” of vinyl chloride, deemed unnecessary, released 115,000 gallons of the toxic chemical, affecting multiple states.
- Norfolk Southern withheld critical information that could have prevented the vent and burn, which caused significant health issues for nearby residents.
Key quote:
"Vinyl chloride is a dinosaur chemical. We’ve known about its dangers going back to the 1960s and 1970s. How many more communities or workers have to be harmed before policies are enacted to phase out and ban this hazardous chemical?”
— Mike Schade, a campaign director at Toxic-Free Future
Why this matters:
Environmental advocates and local officials have expressed outrage over Norfolk Southern's actions, calling for stricter regulations and accountability measures for rail companies handling hazardous materials. This incident has emphasized the need for robust oversight and transparent emergency response protocols to prevent future environmental disasters.
