House Oversight Republicans are launching an investigation into the Department of Transportation’s response to the Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, that released toxic chemicals into the environment.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg is under fire from Republicans after he took 10 days to address the crisis publicly and for not visiting the town sooner.
OHIO TRAIN DERAILMENT: PETE BUTTIGIEG PLAYS DEFENSE IN EAST PALESTINE: 'LOST MY TRAIN OF THOUGHT'
Buttigieg, who visited East Palestine on Thursday, acknowledged he could have responded faster and said he “felt strongly about this and could have expressed that sooner.”
Rep. James Comer (R-KY), chairman of the Oversight Committee, sent a letter on Friday to Buttigieg requesting information regarding his response to the train derailment, including when he was made aware of the situation and guidance he may have received about how to respond.
"This incident is an environmental and public health emergency that now threatens Americans across state lines," the Republicans wrote to Buttigieg. "Despite the U.S. Department of Transportation's responsibility to ensure safe and reliable transport in the United States, you ignored the catastrophe for over a week. The American people deserve answers as to what caused the derailment, and DOT needs to provide an explanation for its leadership's apathy in the face of this emergency."
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
Additionally, Republicans are requesting documents going back to Jan. 20, 2021, about any changes to the department’s train maintenance and procedures, how the Pipeline and Hazardous Material Safety Administration is handling the hazardous materials at the site, and the National Transportation Safety Board’s work to determine the cause of the derailment.
The derailment has caused serious health and safety concerns over air quality and drinking water. The disaster in Ohio, which came just a month after a series of air travel headaches that affected plans for millions of people, is prompting renewed scrutiny of Buttigieg's leadership at the department.