HARRISBURG, PA — Attorney General Michelle Henry has expressed significant concerns regarding a proposed federal settlement with Norfolk Southern over last year’s train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio.
In a letter co-signed with Governor Josh Shapiro and addressed to the U.S. Department of Justice, AG Henry outlined deficiencies in the proposed settlement that she believes fail to support Pennsylvanians affected by the incident adequately.
The derailment, which occurred on February 3, 2023, released toxic substances, impacting residents and workers in the vicinity.
Despite recognizing the Department of Justice’s efforts to expedite a settlement, AG Henry highlighted several areas where the proposal falls short: insufficient healthcare funding for current and future impacts, a narrow scope of health and environmental monitoring, and a lack of adherence to safety improvements recommended by the National Transportation Safety Board.
AG Henry emphasized the lasting financial and health ramifications many Pennsylvanians face due to the derailment.
She advocates for more comprehensive measures to ensure those impacted are fully compensated and that future safety regulations for Norfolk Southern are stringent enough to prevent similar disasters. The letter is part of the ongoing dialogue and negotiations aimed at reaching a settlement that more fully addresses the needs of those affected by the East Palestine derailment.
