East Palestine Protection (E.O. 14108)

Summary

Makes sure the railroad company cleans up the mess from the train crash in East Palestine and helps the people who were affected by it.

What problem does this solve?

A train carrying dangerous chemicals crashed in East Palestine, Ohio, spilling harmful materials into the air, water, and soil. This order makes the railroad company, Norfolk Southern, pay for the cleanup and directs government agencies to help the community recover.

What does this order do?

Holds Norfolk Southern accountable

Establishes a policy to hold Norfolk Southern fully responsible under the law for the disaster and any of its long-term effects.

Appoints a federal recovery coordinator

Requires the appointment of a Federal Disaster Recovery Coordinator to oversee long-term recovery efforts and assess any needs not met by Norfolk Southern.

Requires regular cleanup reports from the EPA

Directs the EPA to report to the President on the cleanup progress within 30 days and provide updates every 60 days until the work is done.

Monitors long-term public health

Directs the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to continue monitoring public health and consider declaring a public health emergency if needed.

Pauses Ohio's disaster declaration request

Puts Ohio's request for a major disaster declaration on hold to give the state time to see if needs can be met by Norfolk Southern first.

Requires a DOT report on railroad safety actions

Orders the Department of Transportation to report on actions it is taking in response to the derailment, including possible new rules and inspections.

Who does this affect?

Residents of East Palestine, Ohio
Residents of surrounding communities in Ohio and Pennsylvania
Norfolk Southern Railway Company

What is the real world impact?

•

Ensures accountability for the disaster

Forces Norfolk Southern to pay for the cleanup and address the long-term health and environmental effects of the train derailment, rather than using taxpayer money.

•

Coordinates federal government response

Organizes multiple federal agencies like the EPA and HHS to work together to monitor the environment, assess public health, and provide support to the affected communities.

•

Addresses public and political pressure

Responds to public concern about the government's handling of the disaster by formalizing the federal commitment to the community's recovery and holding the company responsible.

When does this start?

This order takes effect immediately and sets several deadlines for federal agencies to report on their progress.

Federal recovery coordinator appointment

Within 5 days of September 20, 2023, a Federal Disaster Recovery Coordinator must be designated to oversee long-term recovery.

Initial EPA cleanup report

Within 30 days of September 20, 2023, the EPA must submit a report to the President on cleanup efforts.

HHS public health report

Within 60 days of September 20, 2023, HHS must submit a report on public health testing and assessments.

DOT safety action report

Within 60 days of September 20, 2023, the DOT must report on actions it is taking in response to the derailment.

Ongoing EPA reports

Every 60 days after its initial report, the EPA must submit updated reports until all cleanup work is complete.