Biden says he has no plans to visit East Palestine

February 27, 2023

President Joe Biden said Friday to reporters that he had no plans to visit East Palestine, Ohio, where a train derailed more than three weeks ago and caused an environmental disaster when deadly chemicals spilled and then had to be burned.

Residents within a mile of the derailment were evacuated but have since been told it is safe to return to their homes.

Some who did return have complained about skin rashes and nausea, and cleanup of the area is ongoing.

Researchers from Texas A&M and Carnegie Mellon said Friday that there were nine chemicals present at higher concentrations than normal in the area, including benzene, naphthalene, vinyl chloride, and acrolein, which may be the source of the pungent odor residents have complained about.

Maybe that's why Biden doesn't want to go to East Palestine, or why his administration doesn't want him to go.

It's understandable that officials wouldn't want to put Biden at risk, but if he would be at risk, then they should be honest with the residents in the area about that risk so they can protect themselves as well.