The Justice Department and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sued rail company Norfolk Southern over the East Palestine train derailment.
The
federal agencies allege that the firm's actions led to the release of
toxic contaminants into East Palestine and surrounding areas during and
after the Feb. 3 train derailment, violating the Clean Water Act.
- Attorney
General Merrick Garland said the release of toxins endangered "the
health and safety of people in surrounding communities."
- The lawsuit aims to have Norfolk pay financial penalties and the full cost of the environmental cleanup and related expenses.
- It argues that Norfolk's prioritization of profits over safety drove executives to cut train maintenance costs.
- The government claims that these decisions directly led to the accident and the resultant environmental damage.
- Separate suits against Norfolk have been filed by East Palestine residents and the state of Ohio.
- The National Transportation Safety Board, a federal regulator, is investigating Norfolk.
