The fallout from the recent train derailment and chemical spill in East Palestine, Ohio has become a controversial issue for governmental officials.
Texas Representative Sheila Jackson Lee (D) took to Twitter to share her disappointment with the way the disaster cleanup has been handled.
“Congresswoman Jackson Lee has worked intensely with the EPA and EPA Administrator for the last few days to protect communities from toxic waste disposal. This process of dumping toxic waste in communities without prior notice to local cities and counties has to stop,” said Rep. Lee.
Congresswoman Jackson Lee has worked intensely with the EPA and EPA Administrator for the last few days to protect communities from toxic waste disposal. This process of dumping toxic waste in communities without prior notice to local cities and counties has to stop.
— Sheila Jackson Lee (@JacksonLeeTX18) February 25, 2023
The congresswoman continued, stating, “Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee is announcing that the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is pausing the disposal of toxic waste from East Palestine, including any disposal headed for Houston and Harris County.”
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee is announcing that the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is pausing the disposal of toxic waste from East Palestine, including any disposal headed for Houston and Harris County.
— Sheila Jackson Lee (@JacksonLeeTX18) February 25, 2023
Over 50 cars were derailed in the disaster. 49 of the cars caught fire and burned for several days. Because of the threat of a chemical explosion, large amounts of vinyl chloride were dumped as part of a controlled release.
The state of Texas faced its own crisis this winter as state officials scrambled to fix the power grid failures caused by the brutal weather, with some critics also attributing it to poor management. Earlier this winter, Texas Governor Greg Abbott (R) declared a state of emergency.
“NOW, THEREFORE, in accordance with the authority vested in me by Section 418.014 of the Texas Government Code, I do hereby declare a state of disaster in the previously listed counties based on the existence of such threat,” stated the governor.
Gov. Abbott continued, “WHEREAS, I, GREG ABBOTT, Governor of the State of Texas, do hereby certify that severe winter weather and heavy rain pose a threat of imminent disaster, including widespread and severe property damage, injury, and loss of life, due to significant ice accumulations, sub-freezing temperatures, freezing rain and sleet, hazardous travel disruptions, power outages, and heavy rains”.
Several lawmakers have made appearances in East Palestine, after the spill, receiving mixed reactions. Furthermore, the Biden administration has received criticism for its response to the disaster. Much of that criticism has been directed at U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg.
Nevertheless, the citizens of East Palestine have been calling for more action as they navigate the hazardous conditions.
