Governor DeWine’s Close Ties with Norfolk Southern Prevents Families From Getting Necessary Resources

EAST PALESTINE, OHIO – Despite Governor DeWine’s pledge that Norfolk Southern would be held responsible for the February 3 train derailment that led to burning toxic chemicals like vinyl chloride, the governor has yet to act on his word, to issue a state of emergency and ensure the railroad company pays the price. Three weeks later, residents are still fearful of returning to their homes or drinking their tap and well water, with more questions than answers on the long-term threats these toxins pose for them in their homes, and in their water and air, and with little assistance from their state’s elected officials. New analysis is also showing that 9 of the 50 chemicals EPA measured in local air are higher than “normal,” and could pose a serious health concern if they continue. 

The reasoning behind the inadequate response could be DeWine’s close ties to Norfolk Southern’s Ohio lobbying firm that led him to reelection, but also paid favor to the rail company through legislative blocks and railroad sales. Here is a snapshot of the mutually beneficial partnership that has led to lack of transparency and accountability for the railway company.

• Norfolk Southern and its political action committee (PAC) donated more than $20,000 to DeWine’s campaigns and inauguration.
• $165,000 to political committees supporting DeWine’s political career.
• Norfolk Southern’s Ohio lobbying firm, the Success Group, helped block legislation that would increase railroad safety.
• Under DeWine, the Success Group helped foster a deal between Norfolk Southern and a Cincinnati publicly owned railroad.

In response, Sierra Club Campaign Representative Shelly Corbin issued the following statement:

“This greedy relationship between Norfolk Southern and Governor DeWine and the governor’s refusal to declare the derailment a disaster, is costing the health of thousands of residents in East Palestine by slowing the clean up. Because of the woefully inadequate state response, Ohio and East Palestine are deprived of much-needed federal resources and attention that would hold the railway company rightfully accountable and provide this community the proper testing and monitoring they need to feel safe in their community again.”

“Ohio needs a leader that will do right by its communities’ health and safety, and respond in a timely manner. We need a leader who will make sure these disasters don’t happen again instead of waiting for the next paycheck from corrupt railway companies. Governor DeWine must declare a federal state of emergency immediately so the community can receive federal financial and technical support."