Mushroom cloud explosion in East Palestine, Ohio after train derailment.
The Biden White House has reportedly denied Ohio officials’ requests for federal disaster aid after the train derailment and toxic chemical mushroom cloud explosion.
The Biden administration had not sent a top official to the region since the chemical explosion until Thursday, when EPA Administrator Michael Reagan toured the city to meet with residents and officials. Reagan reportedly declined an offer to drink tap water.
After 13 days, Biden’s EPA administrator finally appeared in East Palestine.
I thought he needed something to drink after all that walking, so I generously offered him a glass of tap water.
He refused. pic.twitter.com/qBRUXE5rX3
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) February 16, 2023
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg did not take the time to visit the area. However, he blamed President Trump for the chemical disaster.
The Biden White House told Fox News that FEMA is not equipped to help with derailments and toxic chemical explosions.
And conservation groups say nothing about historic toxic chemical explosions.
Fox News reported:
A Biden administration official told Fox News Digital that it provided extensive support to surrounding communities after the chemical release in eastern Ohio earlier this month. However, the official said the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the agency that typically provides relief to communities affected by hurricanes and other natural disasters, is not optimally equipped to support the state’s current needs.
“The Biden administration is making a strong, multi-agency effort to support the people of East Palestine, Ohio. As of Feb. 3, the Environmental Protection Agency has staff on the ground,” the official told Fox News Digital. “FEMA is coordinating with the emergency operations center working closely with the Ohio Emergency Management Agency.”
“But what East Palestine needs is much broader than what FEMA can provide,” they said. “FEMA is on the frontlines when hurricanes or tornadoes happen. This situation is different.”