by Williams Cedar, LLC | Feb 12, 2024 | Environmental Law
One year after a major train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, new regulations to improve train safety have been slow to pass. While people seemed to believe the issue was urgent at the time, both legislators and executives have not seemed eager to introduce new laws or practices that would reduce the risk of derailments. Unfortunately, the number of trains derailing has only gone up over time, showing how important safety measures are in preventing potentially deadly accidents.
The One Year Anniversary of the East Palestine Accident
It has been about one year since a major train derailment occurred in East Palestine, Ohio, which occurred on February 3 at around 8:55 PM. The train belonged to Norfolk Southern, one of the largest rail shipping companies in the United States, which has shipping lines that go across 22 states. The company faced significant criticism in the wake of the derailment after serious safety issues were found, indicating the accident may have been preventable.
Lingering Environmental Consequences of the Derailment
The derailment caused a major spill of toxic chemicals into the environment, including vinyl chloride, benzene, and ethylene glycol, which are chemicals used in various forms of industrial manufacturing. This resulted in an environmental disaster that killed large amounts of local wildlife and may have lasting effects on the nearby population. Cleanup of the area is ongoing, but progressing slowly.
Legislators and Executives Slow to Act
While both legislators and executives pledged to work to strengthen safety measures in the wake of the derailment, actual progress has been slow. Both state and federal legislators have not seemed eager to tackle the subject, and executives at Norfolk Southern do not seem to have made any major reforms to improve safety. As a result, safety records seem to have only gotten worse over the past year, not better.
Growing Concerns Over Increasing Numbers of Derailments
In fact, the number of train derailments occurring has only increased over the past year, not decreased. With regulators struggling to get new measures passed and executives unwilling to improve safety standards on their own, this trend is likely to only get worse over time. In many cases, it may fall to victims of these disasters to seek justice through private litigation.
Williams Cedar is a law firm dedicated to helping clients with personal injury, environmental law, and civil rights cases. We specialize in assisting clients who have been injured due to exposure to environmental toxins, including veterans and their loved ones. If you need legal assistance due to toxic exposure or other related matters, please give us a call at our New Jersey and Pennsylvania offices at (215) 557-0099, or visit our contact page.
by Williams Cedar, LLC | Jan 26, 2024 | Environmental Law
The United States Supreme Court is set to hear oral arguments in February on an emergency petition to stay a rule issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that could have a significant impact on emissions regulations across the country. This rule, known as the “Good Neighbor” rule, is intended to limit air pollution that is blown by the wind from one state to another. However, plaintiffs in the lawsuit argue that the rule poses unreasonable regulatory burdens on downwind states, and are seeking to have the rule stayed.
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by Williams Cedar, LLC | Oct 31, 2023 | Environmental Law
A recent study from St. Louis University found that a cave system located in Missouri had microplastics located in its water and sediment, despite being off limits to people for three decades. This alarming find shows just how pervasive the contamination of microplastics has become, and that even areas ostensibly untouched by humanity can still be polluted. This raises questions of just how extensive microplastic contamination is, and what might need to be done to address it.
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by Williams Cedar, LLC | Aug 25, 2023 | Environmental Law
In a lawsuit that has been described as a “gamechanger” for climate and environmental law, a group of young adults from Montana have successfully sued the state for violating their constitutional right to a healthy environment. The suit is based on the theory that the state’s environmental laws, particularly with respect to fossil fuels, violated the state constitution, which guarantees its citizens a “clean and healthful environment.” Environmental activists are hoping that this will be the first of many similar lawsuits to help curtail climate emissions around the country.
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by Williams Cedar, LLC | Aug 11, 2023 | Environmental Law
Verizon, the major telecommunications company, is facing a proposed class action suit from its shareholders after allegedly failing to disclose potential environmental and health risks associated with its lead-wrapped cables. These cables are found all across the country, and may pose health risks to people who live in areas where they are located. Verizon has said that it is currently testing these cables to assess potential risks, but denies any wrongdoing.
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by Williams Cedar, LLC | Jul 14, 2023 | Environmental Law
In a new study by the US Geological Survey (USGS), at least 45% of all tap water in the United States is contaminated with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, more commonly referred to as PFAS. This survey, published on July 5, found detectable traces of these potentially dangerous chemicals in many major urban areas, as well as locations across the Great Plains, Great Lakes, Eastern Seaboard, and Central/Southern California regions. Both public and private wells were found to have been contaminated by PFAS.
What Are PFAS?
PFAS are a class of chemicals that are commonly used in the manufacturing of many consumer and industrial products, including non-stick pans, stain-resistant clothing, and fire extinguishing foam. However, these chemicals are known for causing a number of serious health issues, including liver damage, kidney damage, reduced immune function, and an increased risk of cancer and birth defects. Even worse, these “forever chemicals” are known for being incredibly resilient, refusing to break down in the environment and accumulating within people’s bodies over the course of months or years.
What Did the Study Find?
The USGS survey tested tap water at 716 locations around the country for the presence of 32 of the most common PFAS. Based on these tests, it was found that at least 45% of the tap water across the United States was contaminated with detectable levels of PFAS. Contamination was lowest in protected lands and other places with stringent environmental protections, while it was highest in urban areas and locations close to places where PFAS is manufactured.
Why Was This Study Done?
This study was meant to help understand just how widespread PFAS contamination is. Due to the resilient nature of these chemicals, it can be incredibly difficult to clean up once it has contaminated the environment, and people who ingest these chemicals can retain them in their bodies indefinitely. With this information, people have a better idea of just how many Americans are affected by these hazardous chemicals.
What Can You Do If You Have Been Affected by PFAS?
If your property has been contaminated by PFAS or if you think that you have been sickened as a result of exposure to PFAS, , you should speak to a lawyer with experience handling environmental contamination cases. They can help you to explore your legal options, and ensure you get the testing, filtration, and compensation you deserve for the harm you have suffered.
Williams Cedar is a law firm dedicated to helping clients with personal injury, environmental law, and civil rights cases. We specialize in assisting clients who have been injured due to exposure to environmental toxins, including veterans and their loved ones. If you need legal assistance due to toxic exposure or other related matters, please give us a call at our New Jersey and Pennsylvania offices at (215) 557-0099, or visit our contact page.
