Biden addresses toxic spill recovery in East Palestine, Ohio: Watch live

President Biden is speaking Friday from East Palestine, Ohio, more than a year after a Norfolk Southern train derailed in the area, releasing toxic chemicals used in plastics manufacturing.

Biden has taken criticism for not visiting the site sooner from Republicans, including former President Trump, who made a trip to the community shortly after the disaster. 

The White House noted that Environmental Protection Agency officials were deployed to the area immediately, with follow-ups ordered for recovery support. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg on Friday called on Congress to take action on a rail safety bill introduced by Ohio Sens. Sherrod Brown (D) and J.D. Vance (R) following the derailment.

At Friday’s briefing, Biden is expected to reiterate a commitment to seeking accountability from Norfolk Southern.

He is scheduled to give remarks at 4:45 p.m. EST.

Watch the live video above.