Vice President JD Vance speaks Monday in East Palestine about the 2023 Norfolk Southern train derailment. Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, left, and U.S. Environmental Protection agency Administrator Lee Zeldin, right, listen at the fire station. Vice President Vance came to the village to mark the second anniversary of the derailment. Mike Cardew, Akron Beacon Journal
EAST PALESTINE − Vice President JD Vance reassured village residents that the federal government has not forgotten them on a visit Monday to mark the two-year anniversary of the
fiery Norfolk Southern train derailment, which upended the lives of people in the community.
Vance spoke to reporters and village officials at the East Palestine Fire Station. His remarks focused on reiterating his commitment to finishing the environmental cleanup and reinvesting in the community.
"The first real crisis that we confronted when I was a United States senator of the great state of Ohio was the train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio," Vance said. "President Trump wanted to deliver a message that this community will not be forgotten, will not be left behind, and we are in it for the long haul in East Palestine."
Vance was joined by state and local officials, including U.S. Sens. Bernie Moreno and John Husted from Ohio, Gov. Mike DeWine and East Palestine Mayor Trent Conaway.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, left, listens Monday as Vice President JD Vance speaks at Fire Station 2 in East Palestine. Vance came to the community to mark the second anniversary of the Norfolk Southern train derailment. Mike Cardew, Akron Beacon Journal
Residents have continuously expressed health and safety concerns since the derailment and controlled burn of vinyl chloride three days after the accident. Vinyl chloride is a flammable gas known to cause certain cancers.
"We are committed to ensuring that people's long-term health needs are met on the one hand, and that those long-term health questions are answered," Vance said.
Efforts by President Donald Trump's administration to increase government efficiency support these goals, he said.
"President Trump's desire to bring some efficiency back to the federal government, that's not going to be bad for the people of East Palestine," Vance said. "It's actually going to ensure that the resources we spend on health actually go to people on the ground rather than the bureaucrats."
Vance said the government is focused on finishing the environmental cleanup and making investments in economic development.
"We know that a lot of local businesses and a lot of local people lost a lot when that train disaster happened a couple years ago," he said. "We are committed, not just to finishing the environmental side of cleanup, but hopefully seeing East Palestine build back better."
Priorities have changed in the community in the years since the derailment, Vance said, from initial questions about water and air safety to ensuring continuing support for residents.
As an U.S senator, Vance and former Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown introduced the
Railway Safety Act, which would have enhanced safety requirements for rail carriers, particularly those carrying hazardous materials. The act would’ve, in part, required rail companies to notify state officials of trains carrying hazardous materials in advance.
The act stalled in Congress. Vance reiterated his support for it while encouraging Congress to work on the legislation.
"I do think that we continue to need to do better at rail safety in this country," he said.
Spectators wait Monday to watch the motorcade of Vice President JD Vance leave from Fire Station 2 in East Palestine. Many in the crowd held signs urging the vice president not to forget them and to help them. Vance came to the community to mark the second anniversary of the Norfolk Southern train derailment. Mike Cardew, Akron Beacon Journal
Residents unsatisfied with broken promises
A federal judge last year approved a
$600 million, class-action settlement between the lead attorneys representing the victims and the Atlanta-based railway company. It is considered one of the largest in railroad history.
But residents in town said they still haven't received promised personal injury payments up to $25,000 related to the settlement.
Larry Marteney, left, Dale McGuckin and Mary Ann McGuckin discuss Vice President JD Vance's visit Monday to East Palestine while at Sprinklz on Top. Vance came to the community to mark the second anniversary of the Norfolk Southern train derailment. Mike Cardew, Akron Beacon Journal
Larry Marteney and Dale McGuckin were having breakfast with friends at Sprinklz on Top on North Market Street.
Marteney said his main concern two years after the derailment is whether or not he will receive the money he believes he is entitled to.
“Everybody at this table, everybody in this town (has submitted for settlement claims),” Marteney said, but none have been paid.
Jan Hoagland, 58, of nearby North Lima, held a sign that read, "Help ... Release the people's money!" as Vance's motorcade drove by.
"The people haven't received any money. It's been two years now," she said. "And there's no end in sight."
Vance said he would hold Norfolk Southern accountable to its promises.
"It turns out, a lot of those compensation promises haven't been met," he said. "That is unacceptable. We're going to talk to Norfolk Southern on it."
Many residents in town were thankful for the vice president's visit.
Ron Doutt, 74, is retired from Republic Steel in Canton.
Ron Doutt, who retired from Republic Steel in Canton, talks Monday about Vice President JD Vance's visit to East Palestine. Vance came to the community to mark the second anniversary of the Norfolk Southern train derailment. Mike Cardew, Akron Beacon Journal
Two years after the derailment, he said the village has changed “badly.”
“A lot of people left, a lot of people were messed up,” Doutt said.
“I’m thrilled,” Doutt said about the vice president's visit. “The last two years, he’s been doing what he can.”
East Palestine Mayor Trent Conaway talks Monday with Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine as U.S. Sen. Bernie Moreno listens during Vice President JD Vance's visit to East Palestine. Vance came to the community to mark the second anniversary of the Norfolk Southern train derailment. Mike Cardew, Akron Beacon Journal
Mayor Conaway said concerns from residents remain two years after the derailment.
He said residents worry about water safety and remain uneasy about potential future health impacts.
“We’re working with the federal government and the state government to ensure we have long-term health care for our residents,” he said.
East Palestine, which has a population of about 4,700 people, sits on the border of Ohio and Pennsylvania.
Vice President JD Vance takes a question Monday from the press pool as U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin listens in East Palestine. Vance came to the community to mark the second anniversary of the Norfolk Southern train derailment. Mike Cardew, Akron Beacon Journal
