Biden signs executive to 'hold Norfolk Southern accountable' for Ohio train derailment: 'Overdue but welcomed'

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Former Obama transportation secretary applauds Buttigieg on handling of Ohio train derailment

Jolynn Pasqualucci, who lives near East Palestine, reacts to the remarks and discusses her health concerns following the chemical spill.

President Joe Biden on Wednesday issued an executive order announcing the White House's plan to hold railroad operator Norfolk Southern accountable over the devastating freight train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio. 

Along with ensuring that Norfolk Southern is held accountable, the Biden administration said that the executive order will, "address any of the disaster’s long-term effects, and to ensure federal assistance is available to affected communities should needs develop that are not met by Norfolk Southern."

A Norfolk Southern trail passes through in East Palestine, Ohio, May 28, 2023. (Nate Smallwood / Bloomberg via Getty Images / File / Fox News)

The Ohio Senate has approved a transportation spending package that would significantly tighten rail safety regulations following the catastrophic East Palestine train derailment. (AP Photo / Gene J. Puskar / File / Fox News)

The order comes more than seven months after the Feb. 3 crash.

The White House said in a press release that, "President Biden pledged he would make Norfolk Southern clean up its mess in East Palestine, and he meant it."

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A new Federal Disaster Recovery Coordinator will be appointed within five days of Biden’s signing the order to oversee long-term recovery efforts in East Palestine, the White House announced.

Norfolk Southern headquarters, Atlanta, Ga. (David J. Griffin / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images / File / Fox News)

Following the derailment, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is continuing to test the air, soil, and water for dangerous contaminants.

The executive order also says the Department of Health and Human Services and CDC will submit public health testing reports to the president.

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The Department of Health and Human Services will also continue monitoring health effects of derailment on residents in the area, including long term issues in the community to determine if a public health emergency should be called.

An "East Palestine (EP) Strong" sign outside a business in East Palestine, Ohio. (Nate Smallwood / Bloomberg via Getty Images / File / Fox News)

U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) said that the executive is an "overdue but welcomed step."

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"Overdue, but a step in the right direction," the Democrat Senator wrote in a X post. "There’s still much more work to do to make this community whole. I’ll keep pushing the administration to deliver for East Palestine & hold Norfolk Southern accountable. No matter what it takes."