Washington, D.C.— Today, Congressman Baird released the following statement following the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s announcement on February 27, 2023, that it and Norfolk Southern would be relocating some of the hazardous soil waste from the East Palestine train derailment to Putnam County: 

“For over a week, this administration has failed to properly address the public safety crisis created by the train derailment in Ohio, and now they’re blindsiding neighboring states by hastily relocating hazardous materials across state lines, jeopardizing countless Americans,” said Congressman Baird. “There are very serious implications associated with the relocation of such serious carcinogens, and this administration has a responsibility to carefully weigh the safest options before making rash decisions. My responsibility is to keep my constituents safe, and I will continue to push for transparency and stand up for the safety and well-being of the Hoosiers I’m proud to represent.”