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Erin Brockovich Tells East Palestine Residents to Remain “Vigilant” Following Toxic Train Crash

HeadlineFeb 27, 2023

Here in the U.S., federal personnel are going door to door in East Palestine, Ohio, to conduct health surveys as fallout continues over the February 3 Norfolk Southern train wreck and release of toxic chemicals. Meanwhile, residents of Harris County, Texas, are expressing outrage following news that toxic wastewater which was used to extinguish fires from the East Palestine crash is being transported to Texas for underground disposal. A local environmental group said, “Our county should not be a dumping ground for industry.”

In East Palestine, prominent environmental advocate and whistleblower Erin Brockovich addressed community members Friday during a crowded town hall.

Erin Brockovich: “We often find out five and 10 years down the road, after you were told it was safe, 'Oh, oops! Houston, we have a problem.' … Be vigilant. Hold your ground. We’re going to give you as much information as we can. And like I said, some of it, you might not want to hear. It might surprise you. It could scare you. But now you can know more so you’re prepared better.”

Erin Brockovich is involved in organizing a class-action lawsuit against Norfolk Southern.

This comes as Republicans on the House Oversight Committee are launching a probe into Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg’s response to the disaster, citing his “slow pace” following the crash.

In related news, another Norfolk Southern train derailed on Saturday — this time in Lexington, North Carolina. The company said the crash posed no danger to the public.

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