The White House explained why Ohio Governor Mike DeWine was turned down. Mike DeWine requested disaster relief this week after a train carrying toxic chemicals was derailed.
Fox News Digital was told by a Biden administration official that the government had provided substantial assistance to nearby communities after the chemical release in eastern Ohio earlier this month. The official stated that FEMA, which is responsible for providing relief to victims of natural disasters like hurricanes and tornadoes, was not well-equipped to meet the state’s current needs.
“The Biden Administration mobilizes a strong, multi-agency effort for support to the people of East Palestine and Ohio. Fox News Digital has reported that the Environmental Protection Agency has been present on the ground since February 3. “FEMA coordinates with the Ohio Emergency Management Agency and the emergency operations center.”
They continued, “But East Palestine requires a lot more than FEMA can offer.” FEMA is there when there’s a tornado or hurricane. This is a different situation.
The official identified four agencies, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC), Department of Transportation, and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), that are said to be actively supporting local residents.
These comments echo a statement by White House Press Secretary Karine Jean Pierre on Thursday, in which she stated that the administration’s top priority was the “health & safety of the community.”
DeWine’s office stated Thursday that it is in constant contact with FEMA but that the agency “continues telling” the governor Ohio is not eligible for disaster aid. FEMA responded by saying it was coordinating with EPA and HHS to help Ohio.
The state required help testing the water & air and the EPA is providing that assistance. They requested an investigation into the derailment. The Department of Transportation is investigating. Today, the Governor asked for additional public health testing and assessments. We’re deploying teams of HHS and CDC to do that,” a Biden administration official said to Fox News Digital.
The official stated that each federal agency plays a unique role in this situation and that an interagency team was formed to provide support for the Palestinian people.
About 50 cars carrying vinyl chloride (a deadly colorless gas) were ejected from a Norfolk Southern Railroad train in East Palestine, Ohio on February 3. This small community is located near the Ohio-Pennsylvania border.
To prevent an explosion, the company decided to release gas from derailed cars. Residents were advised to leave the area immediately after the release but were allowed to return to the area on February 9.
Based on their testing, the EPA and Ohio officials assured locals that the air was safe to breathe.
Experts have raised concerns that water and air are unsafe.
“This really does look like a nuclear winter,” Sil Caviano, a local hazardous material specialist, stated. “Pretty much, yes, we nuked that town with chemicals.”
