Stepping Up for East Palestine, OH
Guest essay from Ohio State Representative Monica Blasdel
March 2, 2023
By State Representative Monica Blasdel
The impacts of a devastating train incident in East Palestine continue to displace many of my constituents as concerns with air and water quality ripple through the community. To date, it’s been estimated more than one million gallons of water and 15,000 pounds of soil were contaminated following the accident earlier this month.
My office has been working closely with state and federal regulators, health officials, and emergency responders to address the immediate needs of area residents, providing critical health and safety updates as well as addressing individual concerns on a daily basis.
Safety and access to resources continue to be my number one priority as remediation efforts are underway, which is why I was elated with the outpouring of support from CNX Resources, Producers Supply Company, and the Ohio Oil and Gas Association last week.
Funds from those organizations helped deliver a semi-truck full of gallon water bottles for residents while the roughly 5,000 citizens of East Palestine wait for their water quality to be tested by officials.
Our need here in northeastern Ohio is real, and every ounce of support is incredibly appreciated. I’m inspired by these organizations who have stepped up, especially from those across the state and in neighboring Pennsylvania and Ohio.
CNX’s Appalachia First mentality is refreshing and their support draws on a longstanding commitment of investing in and improving the lives of its neighbors in the region, particularly when adversity strikes. We need more companies like CNX and Producers Supply Co who – in collaboration with OOGA – are making a big difference to these families in need, even if their operational footprint doesn’t directly touch this community.
Monica Robb Blasdel (R-Columbiana) has served the people of Ohio’s Statehouse District 79, which encompasses the majority of Columbiana County and all of Carroll County, Ohio. For information and updates related to the East Palestine train derailment, click here.
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