Petition

Demand President Biden Declare an Emergency in East Palestine, Ohio

21,657 signatures. Let’s get to 25K

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 video is part of a documentary series featuring the stories of those still living through the disaster in East Palestine, Ohio. It was filmed over several months by The YEARS Project, an Emmy-winning content creator for the climate movement. See the rest of the stories @yearsofliving.

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.

Three days after the derailment in East Palestine, Norfolk Southern - the company responsible for the derailment - conducted a controlled burn of the spilled chemicals. The EPA says it was not consulted. · The Years Project

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. 

“If we do not stand together, we will be forgotten.” - Hilary Flint, Unity Council board member from Enon Valley, Pennsylvania.

Please sign and share this petition today to urge President Biden to approve the Major Disaster Declaration for 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

Supporters
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Carrie P

We need to safeguard Planet Earth from Human Destruction.

3 weeks ago
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Amy T

everyone who lives in this area is majorly injured to say the least and it's pure negligence if there is no government response to this disaster

1 month ago
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Daniel S

Americans need to know that their government can hold polluters responsible and protect our natural resources and right to clean air and clean water f…

2 months ago
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Daniel G

The war must end. The day after has to be soon, the people of Palistine have suffered long enough, and this country hold much of the blame. Dont send…

2 months ago
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Nikhat S

i am signing because I think united states has the power to stop an unnecessary war waged mostly on innocent people by a few power hungry despots

2 months ago
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Erica S

My neighbors' health matters more to me than corporate profits.

2 months ago
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Tori P

stop putting profit and oil over people

2 months ago
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Saf P

Nobody is free until Palestine is free!!!

2 months ago
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Shelby C

No pride in genocide!! Stop sending our tax dollars to kill innocents!

3 months ago
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OJALDA OXIAMA O

I have a headache of people getting in my way such as Netanyahu war mongers etc Maybe the way I say things in.peoples face could be costly Earth…

3 months ago
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Toni V

we need to do the right thing to help Americans!

3 months ago
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Linda G

this killing has to stop,why can't we all just live in peace

3 months ago
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shawna d

East Palestine cries for justice! Decades of environmental harm, a community poisoned by negligence. Biden, it's time to act! Declare this disaster an…

3 months ago
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Rodrigo V

I want a future for my kids

3 months ago
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Janneke v

we have a responsability to stop this war. only other countries can end this war!!!

3 months ago
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Kezia D

I am signing because I cannot sit back and allow genocide to occur. As a human, I will always speak up for others. Not matter their gender, race, ethn…

3 months ago
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Debbie P

The bombing of any population is wrong.

3 months ago
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Miguel Nicolás G

Its unfair how they call terrorists to people who are suffering

3 months ago
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Carol K

I want the citizens of East Palestine to feel my support. They can’t be ignored.

3 months ago
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Victoria C

I don't know why, since I know this government doesn't give a hill of beans about us, or our "demands".

3 months ago
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Suzanne S

there must be a better way than to massacre innocent life!

3 months ago
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Julia C

let's actually get this cleaned up so the area is safe and clean again. still scared to drink local water.

3 months ago
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Julia K

why havent we already done this? free palestine

3 months ago
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Anne B

human life is valuable, and what side of history do i want to be on the State of Israel are fascist . Anyone who has done any political research whats…

3 months ago
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sarah F

there needs to be ceasefire peace talks not more deaths compromise between the two sides the imbalances adressed as regards palestine having less infr…

3 months ago
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