Ohio’s Attorney General Dave Yost announced on Tuesday that the state has filed a federal lawsuit against Norfolk Southern in relation to last month’s derailment of a train carrying toxic chemicals in East Palestine. Yost stated that Norfolk Southern violated a range of state, federal, and Ohio common laws, as well as the state’s Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA).

At a news conference, Yost presented the 58-count complaint, arguing that the derailment and subsequent release of over 1 million gallons of hazardous chemicals were entirely avoidable. He expressed concern that Norfolk Southern may prioritize profits over the health and safety of the cities and communities they operate in.

Yost also emphasized that the derailment endangered both the health of Ohio’s natural resources and its residents. The dangerous chemical vinyl chloride was released and burned to prevent a potentially deadly explosion, while other chemicals that were being transported are suspected to have leaked into the surrounding ecosystem in Ohio and Pennsylvania, posing potential health risks.

During a US Senate hearing last week, Norfolk Southern CEO Alan Shaw made a commitment to safely and thoroughly clean the site of the train derailment in East Palestine and to support the community’s recovery efforts. Vermont independent Sen. Bernie Sanders asked Shaw if the company would also pay for healthcare costs for affected residents, to which Shaw responded that “everything is on the table,” but did not make a definitive commitment.

Norfolk Southern released a statement on Tuesday saying that they are making progress in cleaning the site, providing funds to affected residents and businesses, and investing in the community. The company is also listening to concerns from the community about potential long-term impacts from the derailment, and is planning to develop three additional programs in collaboration with Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost’s office and other community leaders and stakeholders.

Yost stated on Tuesday that the federal lawsuit filed against Norfolk Southern is aimed at ensuring that the company fulfills its commitments.

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