Hi, John — I’m Aleena, the Political Director with the Ohio Working Families Party.

My state is living through a slow-motion crisis right now.

A 150-car freight train derailed in East Palestine, Ohio on February 3rd, releasing tons of toxic chemicals including the carcinogen vinyl chloride into our air, water, and soil. In the two weeks since, we’ve already seen severe health and environmental consequences.

This crisis was fully avoidable. It is the direct result of corporate greed, government negligence, and the dehumanization of working people. And right now, people in our communities need all of our leaders to do everything in their power to protect our families and make sure this never happens again.

Will you join us in demanding that Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg take all necessary action to deliver for the people of East Palestine and surrounding communities? Sign our petition and make sure our voices are heard.

Tell Gov. DeWine and Sec. Buttigieg to help East Palestine

After the derailment, authorities decided to perform a “controlled release” of the spilled chemicals, including the carcinogenic vinyl chloride — burning them and releasing a plume of black smoke and odor spreading for miles.¹

Residents have already reported sore throats, burning eyes, rashes, numbness, and more after even short contact with the fumes. Family pets and farm animals have dropped dead. And thousands of fish have reportedly died due to chemicals in the Ohio River.²

The harm this is all causing was predictable — and avoidable.

For years, corporations like Norfolk Southern, the company responsible for the East Palestine derailment, have lobbied the federal government to weaken transportation safety rules.

In 2017, after donating more than $6 million to Republican campaigns, the rail industry was successful in getting the Trump administration to rescind part of an existing rule that required better braking systems on rail cars carrying hazardous materials.³

Yet almost two weeks after the derailment here in Ohio, the U.S. Department of Transportation has made no effort to reinstate or strengthen that rule.⁴

Meanwhile, Governor DeWine has refused to request an emergency declaration from President Biden, which would provide federal assistance programs through FEMA to help residents with recovery now and improve public infrastructure to prevent future disasters.

The residents of East Palestine and neighboring communities have been failed by their government so far. But it’s not too late for leaders like Gov. DeWine and Sec. Buttigieg to take action.

Sign our petition urging Gov. DeWine and Sec. Buttigieg to deliver for the people of East Palestine and everyone affected by this crisis, and work to prevent future disasters.

Tell Gov. DeWine and Sec. Buttigieg to help East Palestine

In solidarity,

Aleena Starks
Political Director
Ohio Working Families Party

P.S. If you or a loved one is in need of assistance in Ohio, or want to support affected residents in other ways, please see a list of community resources and action items here.

Sources:

1. After the Ohio Train Derailment: Evacuations, Toxic Chemicals, and Water Worries, The New York Times, February 15, 2023

2. Life After the Ohio Train Derailment: Trouble Breathing, Dying Animals, and Saying Goodbye, The New Republic, February 13, 2023

3. Rail Companies Blocked Safety Rules Before Ohio Derailment, The Lever, February 8, 2023

4. “There Will Be More Derailments”, The Lever, February 10, 2023

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