CEO of Norfolk Southern to testify after federal investigators announced investigation into rail company’s safety culture
Norfolk Southern’s CEO to appear at Senate’s first hearing of East Palestine train derailment
Norfolk Southern’s CEO Alan Shaw will testify today at the Senate’s first hearing on last month’s train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio which led to disastrous toxic chemical leaks into the environment.
Shaw will face tough questioning from Democrats and Republicans alike who will probably demand answers to how exactly the crash unfolded and what security measures are needed to prevent another disaster.
Norfolk Southern has so far pledged over $21m to assist communities that have been affected by the fiery crash. Nevertheless, critics argue that it is not enough, given that the company announced $10bn in stock buybacks earlier this year and reported $3.2bn in profits last year.
In addition to Shaw, other witnesses at today’s hearing will include Ohio Democratic senator Sherrod Brown, who previously warned residents to be cautious when accepting checks from Norfolk Southern, saying, “You can accept the check, but don’t sign anything that would sign away your legal rights. That’s what companies like this do.”
The crash has triggered public outrage as residents and lawmakers demand answers from Norfolk Southern regarding its safety deficits.
On Tuesday, the National Transportation Safety Board said that it will launch a special investigation into the company’s railway safety culture.
East Palestine organizers from River Valley Organizing, an Ohio River Valley-based community activism organization, are currently on Capitol Hill to demand justice for residents affected by the derailment.
