Senators grill the Norfolk Southern CEO over the East Palestine rail disaster

https://www.npr.org/2023/03/09/ [login to see] /senate-hearing-will-focus-on-east-palestine-and-other-recent-rail-disasters
In a bipartisan fashion, senators on the Environment and Public Works Committee held a hearing Thursday calling for answers from railroad executives and federal emergency response officials as they seek justice for residents of East Palestine, Ohio.

The hearing examined the environmental and public health threats from last month's train derailment, in which several tank cars carrying hazardous materials caught fire and released toxic chemicals into the air, soil and ground water in and around the crash site.

During questioning, lawmakers asked about paid sick leave for workers, the environmental safety after the spill and what Norfolk Southern is doing to help residents.

"I am terribly sorry for the impact this derailment has had on the folks of that community," said Alan Shaw, CEO of Norfolk Southern. "Yes, it is my commitment and Norfolk Southern's commitment that we are going to be there for as long as it takes to help East Palestine thrive and recover."