EAST PALESTINE, Ohio — Among those to voice concern about the fallout and response to the train derailment that occurred in East Palestine, Ohio, earlier this month is activist Erin Brockovich.
The subject of the 2000 biographical film for which Julia Roberts won an Academy Award for best actress, Brockovich called on the Biden Administration to provide more help. She also took aim at U.S. Senator J.D. Vance (R-OH), who issued a statement on the matter 10 days after the train carrying hazardous materials first derailed.
"Doing better than your predecessor, is not doing enough," Brockovich tweeted on Monday. "The Biden administration needs to get more involved in this #PalestineOhio train derailment now. We are counting on you to break the chain of administration after administration to turn a blind eye. STEP UP NOW."
At a press conference on Tuesday, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine said that while President Joe Biden had called him and offered federal assistance, the state has yet to take him up on the offer. DeWine and state officials also assured residents that it is currently safe to remain in East Palestine, although Brockovich believes that it is necessary for the state to perform independent testing.
"They absolutely must have independent testing going on in #EastPalestineOhio," she tweeted. "It's the only way the people in the town and in the immediate area are going to feel safe. There is the environmental crisis but also the human one and these people need the support."
Brockovich also published a post regarding what's happening in East Palestine in her newsletter, "The Brockovich Report."
"Issues that involve our land, water, and air are bi-partisan. We’ve got to put aside our differences and work to make this world safe for everyone. PERIOD," she wrote.
The fallout from the Feb. 3 derailment and the ensuing controlled release of the chemicals inside the train on Feb. 6 have received national attention in recent days. On Wednesday, DeWine and state officials stated that while the air in East Palestine is safe, people in the area are advised to drink bottled water as testing continues.