Michael Regan Visits East Palestine to Lead EPA Response to Train Derailment and Ensure Environmental Safety

Michael Regan, the head of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), has been traveling to East Palestine, Ohio, in recent weeks to address the aftermath of a train derailment that released plumes of black smoke and contaminated the soil and waterways in the area. On Tuesday, Regan visited an East Palestine home and drank tap water with Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, in an effort to reinforce the EPA’s earlier assurances that the municipal water supply is safe.

In response to the derailment, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has made a criminal referral to the state’s acting attorney general, Michelle Henry, for review. The EPA has also ordered Norfolk Southern, the company that operated the train carrying hazardous materials, to handle and pay for all necessary cleanup.

The derailment has brought fresh attention to the EPA and its leader, Michael Regan. Regan has been meeting with residents, local and state officials, and is leading federal efforts to address the environmental and community impacts of the crash.

The EPA is continuing to monitor the situation in East Palestine and is working with the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency to ensure that the environment is safe and that the affected communities are taken care of. The EPA is committed to protecting the environment and the health and safety of all Americans.