Rep. Grim Urges Governor to Utilize Executive Power to Declare an Emergency in East Palestine

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Michele Grim (D-Toledo), along with Ohio Senate and House Democrats, today sent a joint letter signed by all members to Governor Mike DeWine calling on him to officially declare a disaster in East Palestine. 

“The people of East Palestine need our support now. We cannot risk waiting until the toxic dust settles to find out whether the derailment will cause any long-term harm to the residents or the environment. The governor must use his power to declare an emergency in East Palestine and the surrounding areas, and the General Assembly must work to enact good policy to ensure this does not happen again,” said Rep. Grim.

Both House and Senate Democrats are adamant Norfolk Southern must be held fully accountable and will fight for whatever investments are needed to ensure not only East Palestine, but any part of Ohio possibly impacted by the fallout, will get whatever is needed.