Senators request USDA, EPA help addressing toxic chemical potential impact on crops and livestock

WASINGTON D.C. — Concerns are growing over the potential impact on agricultural communities in and around East Palestine following the release of hazardous materials from the derailed train.

U.S. Senators Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Bob Casey (D-PA), and John Fetterman (D-PA) sent a letter Wednesday to Thomas Vilsack, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and Michael S. Regan, Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) that addressed concerns from the agricultural communities.

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The senators have requested the USDA and US EPA provide resources to farmers in the train derailment area to test soil, plant tissue, and livestock. These tests are needed to ensure that crops and other agricultural products are safe and fit for sale, as planting season is set to begin within the next month.

“The 2023 planting season is quickly approaching, followed by spring harvest of overwintered crops, such as alfalfa and winter wheat, that are typically sold as feed to dairies in the region. As these farmers prepare for planting and marketing efforts, they are left wondering what impacts the derailment and chemical release will have on the safety of their products and the viability of their farms,” lawmakers wrote

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It was also requested that both agencies review what disaster assistance can be provided to address the growing concerns of producers.

“At this point in time, neither the U.S. Department of Agriculture nor the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency – or any other federal or state agencies have provided clear guidance to either our agricultural producers in the region or consumers of those products,” lawmakers wrote.

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On February 3, a Norfolk Southern train of 38 cars derailed in the village of East Palestine in Columbiana County. After two days, a controlled burn of the train’s contents was executed, releasing the toxic chemical hydrogen chloride, into the air, with an unknown impact on the environment.

Senator Brown (D-OH), has been working bipartisanly to provide resources for Ohioans and hold Norfolk Southern responsible for cleaning up the damage caused following the derailment.

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