A watchdog group claims new documents obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request suggest the Federal Emergency Management Agency was aware of potential health risks, including the possibility of cancer clusters and the need for at least 20 years of medical monitoring, following the February 2023 Norfolk Southern train derailment and vent-and-burn in East Palestine, Ohio. The Government Accountability Project, which obtained the documents, alleges that FEMA was aware of these concerns.
According to the Government Accountability Project, the newly obtained documents align with whistleblower disclosures over the past two years regarding health impacts in the community. The organization states that FEMA initially refused their FOIA request, which led to a lawsuit against FEMA and the Department of Homeland Security.
The Government Accountability Project alleges the released materials indicate FEMA acknowledged health concerns frequently voiced by East Palestine residents. One agency document noted, “The occurrence of a cancer-cluster in [East Palestine] is not zero,” and indicated a need for a “tripwire to identify cancer clusters,” the group stated.
Internal communications from 2023 show a FEMA-appointed Federal Coordinator, tasked with assessing community needs, was advised against direct engagement with affected residents, according to the Government Accountability Project. An email from the Federal Coordinator stated, “I have been advised best not to engage with...
For nearly 170 years, the Benedictine Sisters of Erie have been a visible force in that region’s community. They took to the streets for anti-Vietnam and civil rights marches in the 60s and 70s. S...