Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown is calling for Governor Mike DeWine to declare a disaster. There’s no better description for the deadly toxins blasted out over two states following the massive train derailment near the town of East Palestine.
Senator wants disaster declaration
What the state of Ohio really needs now is a formal declaration of disaster. That would allow them to get federal aid for the extensive cleanup required. Senator Brown sent a letter off to Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, on February 16, opening with praise for the governor’s handling of the incident, as far as it goes.
It’s a huge mess and needs the proper response. “A man-made disaster of this scale, scope, and significance necessitates a response and deployment of resources that are commensurate in scale and scope.”
He’s happy that there has already been a bunch of boots on the ground. “I’m grateful for all that the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Ohio Emergency Management Agency, local fire fighters, and local law enforcement have done to respond to this unprecedented disaster, but it’s critical we act quickly to supplement those efforts.”
Even MORE proof that the EPA is LYING to the people of East Palestine.
THIS WATER IS INSANELY CONTAMINATED. pic.twitter.com/rNlNxxBTDd
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) February 16, 2023
Now, it’s time for Joe Biden to break out the FEMA resources.
“Additional federal resources can and should play a critical role in helping our fellow Ohioans get back on their feet and ensure that their community is a safe place to live, work, and raise a family.” Norfolk Southern railroad appears to bear all the blame for what happened.
They also are in hot water for not properly notifying anyone that they were routing hazardous chemicals through the town. The disaster released vinyl chloride, which broke down in the fire to phosgene, better known as mustard gas. A whole variety of dioxins were also released.
Here’s a parking lot full of DEAD BIRDS in Lexington, KY. 350 miles SW of East Palestine, OH. pic.twitter.com/XWCkfSKeDl
— Stew Peters (@realstewpeters) February 17, 2023
Officials insist it’s safe
So far, all the officials are assuring residents that they’re safe. They aren’t believing it. State authorities “have said the air and the water remain safe after testing. However, observers and residents remain particularly concerned about potential contamination of the Ohio River, which provides drinking water to millions of people.”
They grudgingly admit “at least 3,500 fish have died since the spill.” The disaster left a strong smell of burning tires and nail polish remover behind. The railroad quickly started passing out home air purifier units along with emergency relief cash.
The Governor had a press conference on Wednesday, but didn’t mention anything about a disaster declaration. He’s taking Joe Biden’s word for it that he’ll come through on his offer of “any assistance the state needs.”
After 13 days, Biden’s EPA admin FINALLY showed up in East Palestine.
I thought he’d need something to drink after walking so much, so I generously offered him a glass of tap water.
He declined. pic.twitter.com/qBRUXE5rX3
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) February 16, 2023
He doesn’t think a declaration is needed yet. He also mentioned that EPA Administrator Michael Regan was due to make an appearance to look things over.
The governor’s office issued a statement noting that “FEMA continues to tell Governor DeWine that Ohio is not eligible for assistance at this time. Governor DeWine will continue working with FEMA to determine what assistance can be provided.” That sounds like a pretty good reason to declare a disaster at the state level but he’s not ready to pay for that yet.
Another Ohio Senator, J.D. Vance, also weighed in, noting it was also important to “not let Norfolk Southern off the hook. We have to be careful about a course of action that would transfer liability entirely to the federal government but I would say my main emphasis is, we need to get this community the resources necessary to rebuild.“
