Ohio Gov. DeWine asks Biden to declare state of emergency over East Palestine train derailment

Ohio Republican Gov. Mike DeWine on Monday asked President Joe Biden to declare a state of emergency in connection with the train derailment in East Palestine that occurred in February.

During that incident, a Norfolk Southern train carrying toxic materials derailed, leading to the leak of said chemicals into the area. The development prompted an evacuation of the town and forced authorities to implement a controlled release of the toxic materials to prevent an explosion.

DeWine wrote to Biden on Monday asking for the declaration, noting that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) had denied a request from the state to extend the deadline for such a declaration.

"Because of the unique nature of the incident the State is still working to identify current needs and evaluate the future impacts this disaster will have on individuals and the community," she said. "I have determined that this incident is of such severity and magnitude that effective response is beyond the capabilities of the State and the affected local governments, and that supplementary federal assistance is necessary."

The governor noted that Norfolk Southern had thus far been voluntarily supportive of the local community, but suggested that the company's assistance could change in the event of a leadership change or favorable legal ruling.

Seemingly absentee leadership from the Biden administration and the Department of Transportation attracted considerable scrutiny from the government's conservative detractors. Notably, former President Donald Trump arrived in the town to help with the relief effort well ahead of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and urged President Joe Biden to also visit the town.

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on Twitter.