(TargetLiberty.org) On Feb.3 the derailment of a train in Ohio led to not only a massive wreck but also to a toxic spill. The Department of Transportation has had to not only respond to accusations relating to the incident but has also been pointing fingers and placing the blame on others.
The predominant question that many are considering is whether the work and safety standards and requirements were met or whether the cost-cutting measures were in part to blame for the train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, and other locations this year.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, in a recent statement noted that “profit and expedience” should never come above “safety.” He added that the Department of Transportation would continue to work towards achieving rail safety. He further urged the rail industry to also focus on the same, and for Congress to help them in these efforts.
A Department of Transportation announcement also called for accountability and safety in the freight rail industry, while also calling for safer tank cars, worker protection for those reporting unsafe conditions, and congressional action for stricter penalties for violations.
In a recent letter to the CEO of Norfolk Southern, whose company operated the train, Buttigieg accused the industry of trying to block the government from implementing stricter rail safety requirements. As he wrote Norfolk Southern and other rail companies have been funding lobbying members of Congress to block safety regulations.
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