Rep. McNally co-hosts roundtable discussion on East Palestine train derailment

COLUMBUS- State Rep. Lauren McNally (D-Youngstown) joined Ohio Senate Minority Leader Nickie Antonio (D-Lakewood) and Sen. Paula Hicks-Hudson (D-Toledo)  for a roundtable today discussing their concerns following the East Palestine train derailment. Those in attendance included the United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Ohio Environmental Council, American Cancer Society and the Ohio Association of Professional Fire Fighters. 

“Since the catastrophic train derailment occurred, my top priority has been the residents and local governments. They deserve safety. They deserve facts. They deserve real information in real time. They are relying on us to provide these basic things so they can make good decisions for themselves and their families,” said Rep. McNally. “Our primary focus is supporting the local residents. They need us to gather facts alongside local, state, and federal entities. As we gather information, such as air, water, and soil samples, we will be able to more effectively support the people of East Palestine and surrounding communities.”

Discussions at the roundtable included making sure everything from property values, long-term economic development, and commercial and family farms are being taken care of. It also included discussion around environmental and human health, both immediately and into the future, as well as ensuring that state and local governments can access appropriate emergency resources. 

Rep. McNally, and Ohio House Democrats, have been working on the ground and in the background by doing the following:

· Reviewing the railroad remediation plan submitted to the Ohio EPA and ensuring environmentalists and agriculturalists can offer meaningful feedback.

· Speaking with Health Commissioners in Mahoning and Columbiana Counties, who are working together to provide mutual aid to our communities.

· Contacting the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, Ohio Department of Agriculture, and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources to break through the hysteria and get accurate information from experts, such as the State Veterinarian, working on the ground to help residents.

·  Listening to local elected officials and making sure they feel continuously supported in meeting the needs of affected Ohioans.

· Working with the Mahoning Valley Sanitary District, assessing the risk of airborne pollution impacting groundwater and determining the likelihood of contamination.

·  Collaborating with railroad worker representatives to identify long-term solutions to prevent similar tragedies.

·  Extending the offer to provide any necessary funding through the state budget process that will help mitigate or negate environmental, agricultural, and health consequences to the region. 

“This roundtable provided really good direction on action we can take right now that will make things better for the people living in East Palestine, but we didn’t stop there. We know Ohio needs us focused on preventing future disasters and improving how we respond to them,” said Rep. McNally. 

For questions or inquiries, reach out to Rep. McNally at Rep59@ohiohouse.gov or by phone at (614) 466-9435.