Critics say the Joe Biden administration has not been cautious enough in its approach, or taken strong enough action against Norfolk Southern, the rail company behind the disaster. Much of the ire over the management of the toxic wreck’s aftermath was directed at the EPA, and rightwing pundits and politicians have politicized and racialized the controversy.
Public health advocates praised the announcement of the inspector general’s involvement, and the investigation is “warranted”, said Kyla Bennett, a former EPA scientist now with the Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility non-profit.
“There are too many unanswered questions and conflicting information,” she said. “The IG can get to the bottom of how decisions were made to conduct testing the way they were and whether that was sufficient.”