It appears the train derailment in East Palestine will have significantly more far-reaching effects than many of us were led to believe while the events were unfolding a week-and-a-half ago. As Ohio’s U.S. senators take a look at what comes next, Republican Sen. J.D. Vance is right in saying “many questions remain.”

Vance has asked his constituents with credible reports of environmental harm, such as “contaminated waterways and effects on wildlife,” to contact his office. He also has taken the next step to wonder how we can prevent such incidents in the future, looking at everything from the Transportation Department’s regulatory approach and our infrastructure and rail system to Norfolk Southern’s maintenance and repair of its trains.

“I am dedicated to ensuring that the relevant authorities do not use tests conducted as a permission slip to pack up and go home,” Vance said. “This is a complex environmental disaster with impacts that may be difficult to assess in the short term. Long-term study will be imperative. As will long-term commitment to remediation by Norfolk Southern for the property damaged, the wildlife disrupted and the community scarred by this accident.”

Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, also understands the need for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Ohio EPA not only to continue full safety testing, but to keep taxpayers from footing the bill for the damage.

“Norfolk Southern Corp. should be held accountable and pay for cleanup and continued monitoring,” Brown said.

We’re not talking about the effects felt within a 1-mile radius, here. We’re talking about more than just one community, even. There are concerns about air quality in Pennsylvania and water quality in communities down the Ohio River in West Virginia. This isn’t just a local worry.

Residents of Appalachia know a thing or two about the long-term effects of corporations’ environmental recklessness. Vance and Brown are on the right track in demanding both extended EPA oversight and that Norfolk Southern will bear full responsibility for this disaster.