East Palestine train derailment update: Yost on NS case

East Palestine train derailment update: As the third anniversary of the toxic East Palestine derailment nears, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost says Norfolk Southern’s efforts to assist the community continue.

This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

In a WTOV9 report, Yost said, “It’s pretty evident that this didn’t have to go down the way it went down.”

Legal proceedings and the next court steps

Yost said the legal proceedings tied to the Feb. 3, 2023 derailment remain active. In his description of where things stand, discovery is completed and the briefing is essentially finished. The case is now waiting for the court to rule on motions and set a trial date.

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Norfolk Southern’s “Making It Right” dashboard and funding

Norfolk Southern has laid out its commitments on the “Making It Right” dashboard, including a $600 million settlement reached in 2024. The company has allocated $115 million for community support, $25 million for a city park revitalization project, and $22.2 million for direct assistance to local families.

Gov. Mike DeWine’s office also announced updated plans in November for a first responder training center, with Norfolk Southern contributing $20 million to the project, as noted by Railway Supply.

Frustrations in East Palestine persist

Even with those commitments listed, Yost acknowledged that frustration in East Palestine continues. He said the case is headed toward trial because, to date, Norfolk Southern has been unwilling to shoulder responsibility for the damage and the unknowns the community is still dealing with. Yost added that he would like the company to come to the table and “write a check,” but if it does not, the matter will proceed to court and any payment would follow a verdict and a court order.

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