Alan Shaw: We will not walk away, East Palestine

Rhea-AI Summary

On February 16, 2023, Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) President and CEO Alan H. Shaw addressed the East Palestine community, emphasizing the company's commitment to recovery following a train derailment. Shaw acknowledged the community's concerns about safety regarding air, water, and land. To assist, Norfolk Southern has initiated a thorough site cleanup, established a Family Assistance Center, and launched a comprehensive testing program in collaboration with local health officials. Additionally, a $1 million community support fund has been set up to aid rebuilding efforts. Shaw reaffirmed Norfolk Southern's ongoing presence and support in East Palestine.

Positive

• Established a $1 million community support fund for East Palestine.
• Initiated a comprehensive testing program for air, water, and soil safety.
• Launched a Family Assistance Center to address immediate community needs.

Negative

• Ongoing concerns regarding safety due to the train derailment.

ATLANTA, Feb. 16, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) President and CEO Alan H. Shaw shared a letter today with the community of East Palestine, Ohio.

In the letter, Shaw said, "When I visited East Palestine last week, you told me how the train derailment has upended your lives and how concerned you are about the safety of your air, water, and land. Our work is underway. Crews are cleaning the site thoroughly, responsibly, and safely.

"Our Family Assistance Center is helping community members meet immediate needs. Together with local health officials, we have implemented a comprehensive testing program to ensure the safety of East Palestine's water, air, and soil. And we have established a $1 million community support fund as a down payment on our commitment to help rebuild," Shaw added.

The full text of Alan Shaw's letter follows below:

We will not walk away, East Palestine.

When I visited East Palestine last week, you told me how the train derailment has upended your lives and how concerned you are about the safety of your air, water, and land. Many of you have also reached out to Norfolk Southern to share your fears, your anger, and your frustration.

I hear you. We hear you.

I know you also have questions about whether Norfolk Southern will be here to help make things right.

My simple answer is that we are here and will stay here for as long as it takes to ensure your safety and to help East Palestine recover and thrive.

Our work is underway. Crews are cleaning the site thoroughly, responsibly, and safely. Our Family Assistance Center is helping community members meet immediate needs. Together with local health officials, we have implemented a comprehensive testing program to ensure the safety of East Palestine's water, air, and soil. And we have established a $1 million community support fund as a down payment on our commitment to help rebuild.

But our work is far from over. As we continue site clean-up, the NTSB moves forward with its investigation, and necessary environmental testing is carried out, I promise to keep you updated every step of the way.

I know there are still a lot of questions without answers. I know you're tired. I know you're worried. We will not let you down.

Alan H. Shaw

###

About Norfolk Southern
Since 1827, Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) and its predecessor companies have safely moved the goods and materials that drive the U.S. economy. Today, it operates a customer-centric and operations-driven freight transportation network. Committed to furthering sustainability, Norfolk Southern helps its customers avoid 15 million tons of yearly carbon emissions by shipping via rail. Its dedicated team members deliver more than 7 million carloads annually, from agriculture to consumer goods, and is the largest rail shipper of auto products and metals in North America. Norfolk Southern also has the most extensive intermodal network in the eastern U.S., serving a majority of the country's population and manufacturing base, with connections to every major container port on the Atlantic coast as well as the Gulf of Mexico and Great Lakes. Learn more by visiting www.NorfolkSouthern.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/alan-shaw-we-will-not-walk-away-east-palestine-301749014.html

SOURCE Norfolk Southern Corporation

FAQ

What did Alan Shaw announce regarding East Palestine on February 16, 2023?

Alan Shaw announced a commitment to support East Palestine following a train derailment, including a $1 million community support fund, a Family Assistance Center, and a comprehensive testing program for safety.

How much financial support has Norfolk Southern pledged to East Palestine?

Norfolk Southern has pledged $1 million to support the East Palestine community.

What measures are being taken for safety in East Palestine after the train derailment?

Norfolk Southern has implemented a comprehensive testing program for air, water, and soil safety, and is conducting site cleanup.

What is the role of Norfolk Southern's Family Assistance Center?

The Family Assistance Center is helping East Palestine community members meet their immediate needs following the train derailment.

What ongoing concerns exist for residents of East Palestine?

Residents continue to express concerns about the safety of their air, water, and land due to the recent train derailment.