Last Updated on February 17, 2023
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine’s office put out a press release on Thursday that stated: “Ohio Governor Mike DeWine spoke with officials at the White House early this morning to address the need for federal help. As a result of this conversation, the Governor has requested assistance from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Health and Emergency Response Team, and the CDC to provide on-the-ground assistance in East Palestine. The DeWine Administration has been in daily contact with FEMA to discuss the need for federal support. However, FEMA continues to tell Governor DeWine that Ohio is not eligible for assistance at this time. Governor DeWine will continue working with FEMA to determine what assistance can be provided.”
The Biden Administration has become one of numerous parties taking criticism for the disaster, with several users disapproved of the Biden Administration decision.
I can’t believe this.
FEMA has DENIED the disaster relief request made by Gov. Mike DeWine.
DOES THIS NOT LOOK LIKE A DISASTER?!?!?! pic.twitter.com/xnJyfYJwe2
— Graham Allen (@GrahamAllen_1) February 17, 2023
BREAKING: FEMA denies aid request in East Palestine, Ohio
So you’re telling me the government can poison the air
Kill animals, contaminate the water, & make life unsafe
But because they voted for Trump & not Biden, they don’t deserve federal aid?
This is wrong
— E (@ElijahSchaffer) February 16, 2023
East Palestine, Ohio is Trump country and that's why FEMA says they get nothing for the chemical catastrophe and everyone knows it.
— First Words (@unscriptedmike) February 17, 2023
DeWine spokeswomen Dan Tierney told Fox News Digital on Thursday: “FEMA believed the incident didn’t qualify as a traditional disaster, such as a tornado or hurricane, for which it usually provides assistance.”
It’s worth noting that in 2015 FEMA sent 28,000 Liters of Bottled Water to Flint, Michigan, after lead slipped into Flint’s water supply.
The people of East Palestine and the surrounding areas have been questing the safety of their air and water following a Norfolk Southern Railroad train’s derailment and subsequent planned chemical release that followed.
Early this week, Mike DeWine informed the press that Norfolk Southern Railroad, whose top shareholders include Blackrock and Vanguard, requested the chemical release following the train derailment. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine granted the company its wish on February 6th.
When East Palestine, Ohio, residents returned to their homes on February 9th, they were greeted with chemical smells and dead animals that are still plaguing the area today.