The Biden administration turned down a request from Ohio for disaster relief from Ohio following one of the worst natural disasters following a train derailment earlier this month, then attempted to explain the reason for the denial on Friday.
According to Fox News, the Biden administration turned down Gov. Mike DeWine’s (R) request after claiming it had already provided “extensive assistance to surrounding communities” after tons of chemicals were spilled — and then burned off — following the derailment in early February near the town of East Palestine. The official added, however, that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which generally provides such relief to communities hit by hurricanes and natural disasters, isn’t equipped to support Ohio’s present needs.
“The Biden Administration is mobilizing a robust, multi-agency effort to support the people of East Palestine, Ohio. Since February 3, the Environmental Protection Agency has had personnel on the ground,” the official told Fox News Digital. “FEMA is coordinating with the emergency operations center working closely with the Ohio Emergency Management Agency.
“But what East Palestine needs is much more expansive than what FEMA can provide,” the official continued. “FEMA is on the frontlines when there is a hurricane or tornado. This situation is different.”
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Department of Transportation, and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) are the four agencies that the official emphasized as actively providing assistance to local residents.
These comments mirror the statement made by White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on Thursday, which stressed the administration’s commitment to the “health and safety of the community.”
Also Thursday, DeWine’s office also reported that they have been in daily communication with FEMA. However, FEMA has informed the governor that Ohio does not qualify for disaster aid. As a response, FEMA stated that it is collaborating with EPA, HHS, and the CDC to offer support to the state, Fox News reported.
“The state needed help testing the water and air — EPA is providing it. They called for an investigation into the derailment — the Department of Transportation is on it. The Governor today asked for help to conduct additional public health testing and assessments — we’re deploying teams from HHS and the CDC to get that done,” the Biden administration official told Fox News Digital.
“Each federal agency has its own unique role here, and we’ve mobilized an interagency team to get the people of East Palestine the support they need,” the official added.
On February 3, a train operated by Norfolk Southern Railroad derailed, causing nearly 50 cars to jump the track. The train was carrying vinyl chloride, a hazardous colorless gas, and the incident occurred in a small community that sits on the Ohio-Pennsylvania border.
To avoid a catastrophic explosion, the company decided to release the gas from the affected cars. The action resulted in the release of deadly fumes and other hazardous chemicals into the atmosphere. Local residents were instructed to evacuate the region while the gas was being released, but were later informed it was safe to return on February 9th.
But experts have expressed doubt about the safety of returning to the town.
“This really looks like a nuclear winter,” Sil Caggiano, a local hazardous materials specialist, told Fox News earlier this week. “Pretty much, yeah, we nuked this town with chemicals.”
