John, on Wednesday, I wrote to you about the East Palestine, Ohio train disaster. Now, a second train carrying hazardous materials, including liquid chlorine has derailed in Van Buren Township, Michigan.
Both derailed trains were operated by Norfolk Southern railway, who has:
All while reporting record profits in Q4 of 2022.
Fortunately, the train derailment in Michigan did not result in a chemical spill, but we know that it’s only a matter of time before another disaster occurs like we saw in Ohio two weeks ago. Until corporations like Norfolk Southern are held accountable, workers, communities, and our very environment are at risk.
Pennsylvania has the largest number of operating railroads in the nation, and we cannot allow any corners to be cut for corporate greed. Help my team and I fight for safer regulations and an end to preventable rail train disasters by chipping in $5 today.
It’s time to call them out.
Furiously,
Summer
---------- Forwarded message ---------
Date: February 15, 2023
From: Summer Lee
Subject: East Palestine, Ohio
John — when corporations are allowed and encouraged to put profit over people, the results are predictable — thousands of families uprooted and exposed to deadly toxins poisoning their air and drinking water.
On Friday, February 3, a train carrying toxic chemicals derailed in the town of East Palestine, Ohio, which is just an hour outside Pittsburgh.
Firefighters battle a blaze from a derailed train in East Palestine, Ohio.
Gene J. Puskar/AP
Over 5,000 residents were told to evacuate the area, and a few days later, crews led a controlled release of the chemicals into the air in order to prevent a major explosion. Since then, many locals are still unable to return to their homes, there have been reports of sick pets and animals dying, and people have been experiencing asthma symptoms and a burning sensation in their eyes.
Rail workers have been sounding the alarm and vocally opposing federal deregulation for years which has led to cuts in safety and maintenance. In short: longer, overloaded trains with fewer workers.
This is a shameful disaster with potential consequences into the far future — and it was preventable, John. Our political leaders should have to remain accountable to their constituents — not rail company CEOs.
I ran for Congress to fight alongside workers for a robust labor movement where everyone has access to a safe workplace, full union protections, and excellent wages. Will you help me continue that fight so we never see an environmental disaster like what took place in Ohio this month again?
The fights for environmental, racial, and economic justice are intrinsically linked. This isn’t a theoretical debate — it’s about our lives and the lives of people we love. We can’t let a tiny pool of corporate elites and the inaction of our political leaders continue to harm people. And today, right now, the residents of East Palestine are experiencing harm.
Real leadership means always being accountable to working families rather than to big corporate PACs and the wealthy few. I am determined to see the PRO Act become law, pass a Green New Deal with a union jobs guarantee, and strengthen the labor movement.
We are building a multi-racial, multi-generational movement powered by everyday people like you, John. Will you join us and chip in what you can to help us achieve our vision?
In solidarity,
Summer
