Biden Admin Rejects Federal Disaster Assistance Request From Ohio Town Impacted by Toxic Train Derailment

President Joe Biden’s administration rejected a request for federal disaster assistance from Ohio Governor Mike DeWine in response to the train derailment in East Palestine earlier this month.

The February 3 derailment caused a fire which lasted for several days. Officials resolved to Initiate A controlled release of chemicals was made to reduce the chance of an explosion. All residents within one-mile of the crash site were warned to evacuate. However, they were allowed to stay. permitted They will be able to return home on February 8.

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), informed Ohio that it was refusing federal assistance to the Biden administration because the agency stated that the incident didn’t qualify.

Dan Tierney is a spokesperson for DeWine Submitted Fox News that Ohio was able to get some assistance through the Department of Health and Human Services that can assist residents who need medical care as a result of the fallout from the derailment and toxic burn.

Tierney stated that DeWine would hold Norfolk Southern responsible for the accident. “The people of East Palestine need to be made whole,” He concluded.

The DeWine administration released a statement earlier in the day stating that it was not cooperating to assist the community with federal disaster assistance.

“The DeWine Administration has been in daily contact with FEMA to discuss the need for federal support, however FEMA continues to tell Governor DeWine that Ohio is not eligible for assistance at this time,” DeWine’s office It was earlier in the morning. “Governor DeWine will continue working with FEMA to determine what assistance can be provided.”

Norfolk Southern supplied the EPA with a Liste number of cars involved in the accident and the chemicals they were using. According to the company all five vehicles that contained vinyl chloride had been recalled. “stabilized” After the material was burnt by crews, it formed massive plumes dark smoke which could be seen in eastern Ohio or western Pennsylvania.

Vinyl chloride is Described The National Cancer Institute has identified it as a carcinogen that is linked to a rare form liver cancer called hepatic Angiosarcoma. It also includes lymphoma and leukemia as well as various types of brain and lung cancers. Only the Occupational Safety and Health Administration permits exposure of one part per million during an industrial worker’s eight-hour shift.

FEMA claimed in a statement to Fox News that it was in constant contact with DeWine’s office but it would not comment on its decision to reject disaster aid for the community.

“FEMA is in constant contact with the emergency operations center in East Palestine and with the Ohio Emergency Management Agency,” Jeremy Edwards, spokesperson for FEMA. “We are closely coordinating with EPA, HHS, and the CDC, who are helping to test water and air quality, and to conduct public health assessments.”

Ben Zeisloft contributed this report. 

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