State Of Ohio V. Norfolk Southern Corporation Et Al.
The State of Ohio has filed a lawsuit against Norfolk Southern Corporation and Norfolk Southern Railway Company for violating environmental laws. The lawsuit stems from a train derailment that occurred in East Palestine, Columbiana County, Ohio, on February 3, 2023. The derailment resulted in the release of over one million gallons of hazardous materials into Ohio's air, streams, rivers, soil, and groundwater. The State of Ohio is seeking civil penalties, damages, and injunctive relief. The lawsuit alleges that Norfolk Southern's accident rate has nearly doubled in the past 10 years, and at least 20 of those derailments since 2015 have involved chemical releases. The State of Ohio claims that the derailment was avoidable and the direct result of Norfolk Southern's practice of prioritizing its profits over the health, safety, and welfare of the communities in which it operates. The lawsuit seeks damages for the harm caused by the derailment, including damage to waterways, wildlife, and agricultural areas, as well as harm to human health and the regional economy. The State of Ohio is seeking damages in excess of $75,000 for costs incurred in assessing, investigating, monitoring, analyzing, and removing hazardous materials, as well as costs to restore Ohio's natural resources and compensate the public for the loss of use of those resources. The defendants are held strictly, jointly, and severally liable for all damages.
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