White House does victory lap on its handling of East Palestine disaster despite never declaring emergency
Fox News
The White House launched a media blitz Wednesday, touting its response to the February 2023 derailment of a train hauling toxic chemicals in East Palestine, Ohio.
"We have been at work here at the U.S. Department of Transportation throughout this entire process and we'll continue to do so. Safety is our department's main reason for being. Whether it's aviation safety, roadway safety or railway safety, it is always our top priority," Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg told reporters Wednesday. "All of this was at stake and continues to be at stake in the response to what happened one year ago." Thomas Catenacci is a politics writer for Fox News Digital.
"For many, it's been a year of fear, a year of uncertainty and a year of change," added EPA Administrator Michael Regan. "We recognize times have been very challenging. That's why I'm so thankful for the leadership of President Biden, who mobilized this whole-of-government response to support the people of East Palestine, Ohio, and supported the United States Environmental Protection Agency as we worked hard to hold Norfolk Southern accountable, clean up this mess and restore this tight-knit community."