Residents of East Palestine, Ohio, put their questions directly to officials at a CNN town hall — but were left with mixed feelings about the future of their town after a train carrying toxic chemicals derailed earlier this month.
"I don't believe what they're saying," resident Nene Stewart said.
Jessica Conard, a lifelong resident of the city, warned other communities in Ohio and beyond.
"If you have a local railroad or a local waterway, this is a problem for you, too," she said. "Stand by, stand with us and we'll fight until the promises are kept."
Andris Baltputnis, however, maintained an optimistic outlook, saying: "I was very encouraged. Everything was in a good direction and I think good things are yet to come."
"I feel confident to bet on ourselves. I think that's what I took away today, we have a one-in-a-lifetime opportunity to rewrite the greatest comeback story in American history and we have the pen. So, if it's on us." If we are making a bet, I am happy that the recipient will be the residents of East Palestine,” said DJ Yokley, another resident and small business owner.
Here are other key moments from the town hall:
Safety assurance: Experts have doubled down on their assurances that air and water balances have so far returned to normal. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine said he felt it was safe enough to stay in the area overnight. EPA Administrator Michael Reagan said that while he understands the families' "paternalistic" skepticism, he will raise his children in the community based on air readings that show safe levels.
Health concerns: Courtney Newman, a mother and teacher in East Palestine, Ohio, said she has been experiencing bleeding since returning to her home near the crash and her son has a bloody nose. Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff acknowledged that considering possible toxic exposures may not be in the “wheelhouse” of many doctors. Toxicologists are available to provide expert advice, and a clinic has been established in the community to help those who may not have access to a doctor.
Norfolk Southern: The rail company's chief executive Alan Shaw has apologized to residents in East Palestine for the train derailment. He said the agency will review the results of the NTSB investigation and use the data to "figure out what we can do better," though he declined to answer any questions about that investigation. Shaw also said the company has implemented new internal security measures.
Derailment: Shaw said Norfolk Southern plans to rip up the derailed tracks and remove the soil underneath. The effort is expected to begin in early March, he said. Shaw said they will also continue to monitor surveys from various agencies and contractors, rolling out groundwater surveys in and around the site.
Small business: The governor of Ohio said he is working with federal officials to see how they can provide assistance to help small businesses in Eastern Palestine, but no concrete solution has been found. DeWine told one small business owner that the best thing they can do right now is "clean up as fast as we can," and said he'll speak with President Joe Biden.
Fear and anger: Jim Stewart, who has lived in East Palestine, Ohio, for 65 years, said he was angry after a train derailment earlier this month. Stewart was passionate and direct with Shaw, who said Norfolk Southern took away his sense of security. "You shortened my life, now? I want to retire and enjoy it. How can we enjoy it? You burned me," he said. East Palestine Mayor Trent Conaway said there was "a lot of fear in town," especially from people who live near the railroad tracks where the crash happened. He vowed to find answers to alleviate those concerns.
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