Vance, Zeldin Request EPA Probe of East Palestine Derailment Response

Two officials from the former Trump administration have formally requested an independent investigation by the Environmental Protection Agency into the federal response to the February 2023 train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, which released a plume of hazardous chemicals into the surrounding community. In a joint letter dated Friday, Ohio Senator J.D. Vance and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin urged the agency’s acting inspector general to conduct a comprehensive review of the actions taken by federal, state, and local authorities following the incident, citing concerns about the adequacy of emergency measures, communication with residents, and the handling of environmental remediation.

The East Palestine derailment involved a freight train carrying vinyl chloride, anhydrous ammonia and other toxic substances, prompting evacuations, a temporary “shelter‑in‑place” order and extensive soil and water testing. Federal agencies, including the EPA and the Department of Transportation, have faced criticism for perceived delays and limited transparency in reporting health risks. Vance and Zeldin’s letter asks the inspector general to assess compliance with existing emergency protocols, evaluate the speed and accuracy of public notifications, and determine whether any procedural lapses contributed to prolonged exposure risks. The request adds to mounting pressure on the current administration to ensure accountability and may lead to a formal audit that could shape future hazardous‑material response policies.