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Pa. lawmakers are slamming Norfolk Southern as 'ignorant' and greedy
... after the East Palestine derailment (rest of headline)Elected officials are planning hearings to scrutinize the rail company,
the derailment just on the other side of the Ohio border, and the response.
(link) https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-state/2023/02/17/east-palestine-train-pennsylvania-lawmakers-hearing/stories/202302170115
HARRISBURG — Pennsylvania lawmakers are increasingly sounding off about the horrific Feb. 3 train derailment just over the state line in Ohio, calling railway company Norfolk Southern an “ignorant” exemplar of corporate greed — and some will take part in a public hearing next week in Beaver County.
State Sen. Katie Muth, D-Montgomery, the ranking Democrat on the Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness Committee, said she’s worried about Pennsylvanians who live near the state line. The train derailed in East Palestine, just on the other side of the Ohio border. The controlled release of toxic chemicals from several train cars following the derailment has left people in East Palestine and beyond fearful of the health consequences, even as officials offer assurances that the air and water are safe.
“There is severe concern that people could have long-term health effects,” Ms. Muth said, citing things she has read from subject experts.
State Sen. Doug Mastriano, R-Franklin, the committee chairman, has scheduled a joint public hearing with the Senate Transportation Committee to scrutinize the derailment and the response to it. The hearing is set for 10 a.m. Thursday at Community College of Beaver County. Mr. Mastriano said in a statement that testimony would come from Norfolk Southern, state and local officials, and citizens.
At least five lawsuits have been filed after the derailment of about 50 train cars, including at least 10 carrying hazardous materials, and the associated spill, fires and release of chemicals. State House Speaker Mark Rozzi, D-Berks, lambasted Norfolk Southern on Friday and called images from the derailment site heartbreaking.
State Sen. Katie Muth, D-Montgomery, the ranking Democrat on the Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness Committee, said she’s worried about Pennsylvanians who live near the state line. The train derailed in East Palestine, just on the other side of the Ohio border. The controlled release of toxic chemicals from several train cars following the derailment has left people in East Palestine and beyond fearful of the health consequences, even as officials offer assurances that the air and water are safe.
“There is severe concern that people could have long-term health effects,” Ms. Muth said, citing things she has read from subject experts.
State Sen. Doug Mastriano, R-Franklin, the committee chairman, has scheduled a joint public hearing with the Senate Transportation Committee to scrutinize the derailment and the response to it. The hearing is set for 10 a.m. Thursday at Community College of Beaver County. Mr. Mastriano said in a statement that testimony would come from Norfolk Southern, state and local officials, and citizens.
At least five lawsuits have been filed after the derailment of about 50 train cars, including at least 10 carrying hazardous materials, and the associated spill, fires and release of chemicals. State House Speaker Mark Rozzi, D-Berks, lambasted Norfolk Southern on Friday and called images from the derailment site heartbreaking.
- more at link -
Story includes statements from other PA officials, Gov. Shapiro and state Senator Elder Vogel, R-Beaver. Sen. Vogel says the decision of N & S President Alan Shaw to not attend the meeting "is just plain ignorant."
That's telling him!
2 replies
= new reply since forum marked as read
= new reply since forum marked as read
The executive board of Norfolk Southern got a great bonus, just like always.
The shareholders got their huge dividends, just like always.
