STATEMENT: Houchin Holds Call for Local Officials with IDEM Commissioner on Ohio River following East Palestine Train Derailment WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Erin Houchin (R-Ind.-09) released a statement following a call she held with local elected officials and Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) Commissioner Rockensuess. The call provided updates on the East Palestine train derailment and its impact on the Ohio River. “It’s clear the Biden administration has not been transparent enough with the American people about the East Palestine train derailment, particularly with communities along the river, and their slow response has left Hoosiers with many questions. That’s why we worked with Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) and the Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission (ORSANCO) to host today’s discussion with Southern Indiana elected officials to provide a clear update on the safety of communities along the Ohio River. “During the call, IDEM and ORSANCO assured us that their water testing has not resulted in detectable levels of harmful chemicals in the Ohio River and that our drinking water has been deemed safe. I will continue to monitor the ongoing water assessments. We must hold the federal government accountable for their unsatisfactory response in Ohio. “I thank IDEM and ORSANCO for their diligent efforts. We will work with them to provide updates as necessary to keep communities in the Ninth District informed,” said Congresswoman Houchin.
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