Demand President Biden Declare an Emergency in East Palestine

Positive progress: On July 3rd, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine officially requested that President Biden issue a Major Presidential Disaster Declaration for the East Palestine train derailment and chemical disaster. Now, President Biden must approve the request.

We are urgently asking you to sign this petition addressing the continued humanitarian crisis in East Palestine, Ohio, and the surrounding communities.

Only President Biden has the power to approve Ohio Governor Mike Dewine’s request for a disaster declaration in East Palestine. By approving the request, President Biden would enable the federal government to give residents the financial relief and comprehensive environmental testing that they desperately require.

This disaster was – and is – one of the worst in U.S. history. On the night of February 3rd, a Norfolk Southern train carrying hazardous chemicals derailed in East Palestine, Ohio. To this day we do not know all of the toxins involved, but can confirm that the following toxic chemicals – vinyl chloride, butyl acrylate, ethylene glycol, isobutylene and ethylhexyl acrylate – were found in the air, soil, and water around the crash site.

The immediate aftermath from the 38-car pile up was devastating: Animals died by the thousand in contaminated waterways, and a cloud of toxic chemicals, so large that it could be seen from space, blanketed the town.

Months later, businesses lie shuttered, gardens rot, and many can’t access independent testing to see how many toxins are in their home, food, and water.

Previously healthy residents now suffer from bloody noses, burning throats, nausea, and in some cases, life-threatening health conditions. Scientists say the poisonous chemicals could stick around for decades.

To make matters worse, the clean up effort has been led by Norfolk Southern – the same company responsible for the disaster. It’s not only a conflict of interest, it’s an insult to those affected, and Norfolk has left thousands without proper care.

The next step towards justice and recovery is for President Biden to officially declare the train derailment in East Palestine an emergency. Only he can exercise this power, which would immediately open the area up to emergency resources from the federal government.

And there is reason for hope. The Unity Council, a grassroots group made up of affected residents in Ohio and Pennsylvania, is working tirelessly to bring attention to this crisis. We’re partnering with them on this critical campaign, and with your help, our call to action can be heard around the world. 

Please sign and share this petition today to urge President Biden to approve the Major Disaster Declaration East Palestine. Your action can make a real difference in ending this humanitarian crisis and help secure a safer future for all affected residents.

15,936 of the signatures reflected on this page are carried over from a successful petition on Only One urging Ohio Governor DeWine to request a disaster declaration for East Palestine