1,000 signatures reached
To: Governor Mike DeWine
Declare a state of emergency in Ohio after the Norfolk Southern train derailment!
Governor Mike DeWine needs to declare a state of emergency after the Norfolk Southern train derailment that happened in East Palestine, Ohio on February 3. The train carried hazardous and carcinogenic chemicals and, following the derailment, exploded, contaminating nearby waterways, soil, and the air residents are breathing.
Why is this important?
We don’t know the impact of the toxic chemical explosions on people’s health yet, but residents have reported experiencing nausea, shortness of breath, dizziness, and headaches. It’s also been confirmed that chemicals have spilled into the Ohio River, which covers 14 states and provides drinking water to more than 5 million people. This water basin also leads directly into the Mississippi River, a major water source in the United States. President Biden already called Gov. DeWine and said the administration would give him whatever he needed, so why hasn’t DeWine declared a state of emergency? It is critical that Gov. DeWine declare a state of emergency and formally request President Joe Biden for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) aid so residents affected by the explosion can get the help they deserve.