Ohio Lawmakers Urge EPA Chiefs to Take ‘Necessary Steps’ in East Palestine

COLUMBUS, Ohio – A group of Ohio House lawmakers have sent a letter to state and federal officials, urging “the necessary steps be taken to contain the damage and minimize, if not erase, the risk” to residents after the Feb. 3 train derailment and the subsequent controlled release of chemicals in East Palestine.

In the letter addressed to Michael Regan, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency administrator, and Anne Vogel, Ohio Environmental Protection Agency director, the lawmakers write, “While we understand vinyl chloride is troubling, other chemicals such as butyl acrylate, ethylhexyl acrylate, and ethylene glycol monobutyl were also on that train, which is another reason why some Ohio families are rightfully uneasy about this situation.”

The letter was signed by 26 state lawmakers, including Rep. Monica Robb-Blasdel of Columbiana, R-79th, and Rep. Nick Santucci of Howland, R-64th.

The letter, dated Feb. 21, reads:

Dear Directors,

Two weeks after the train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, there are many concerned citizens across the state regarding the health and safety of our air and water qualities due to the controlled release of the hazardous chemicals.

As we’re sure you are aware, the various reports and circulation of photos, videos, and other materials of contaminants have raised alarming red flags for not only the local community but including our state and quite frankly the nation. Especially for those individuals down river, residents in our state, Kentucky, Indiana, and Illinois that draw drinking water from the Ohio River have questions surrounding the chemicals.

While we understand vinyl chloride is troubling, other chemicals such as butyl acrylate, ethylhexyl acrylate, and ethylene glycol monobutyl were also on that train, which is another reason why some Ohio families are rightfully uneasy about this situation.

We appreciate your willingness to discuss with our offices these imminent issues facing Ohioans. As you know, this is a crisis and must be addressed with as much haste as possible for the people of our state. 

We, the undersigned Representatives of the State of Ohio, are urging that the necessary steps be taken to contain the damage and minimize, if not erase, the risk posing residents. We ask you to consult and advise the General Assembly of any additional resources that are needed as we stand ready to act. We also ask for a transparent process with Ohioans regarding the dangers and communicate to all parties involved what steps families should take to protect themselves and their communities.

We ask for as much efficiency as possible to address this urgent matter. We thank you again for your committed work to our state. We hope to be in contact shortly to discuss immediate solutions the Statehouse can provide in collaboration with your offices.

Pictured at top: Aeration equipment was used in Sulphur Run in East Palestine on Feb. 16.

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.