The Feb. 3 train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, has caused the transportation of hazardous materials to come under scrutiny. The crash resulted in toxic chemicals spilling and bursting into flames, and community anxieties remain high in their small town of 5,000. The accident has become both a test of federal response time, as well as the stewardship of President Biden's cabinet. Federal, state and local governments need to address two crucial issues that would bring transparency and ease fear.

The first is that railroad companies must immediately provide emergency responders, health officials and the public with accurate and complete lists of hazardous materials that are on the derailed train. This would provide the necessary information needed to respond and protect. Currently, these officials have the runaround in trying to acquire the needed information in a timely fashion. Testing of the air and water quality has concluded that it is safe, but residents are still fearful of long-term