Youngstown Times

State Representative Monica Robb Blasdel has introduced a resolution calling for Congress to create a special committee. The proposed committee would investigate the train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, and the federal Environmental Protection Agency's response.

Robb Blasdel stated, “I have been fighting for East Palestine at the state level ever since I took office in 2023. The newly-obtained documents acquired through a Freedom of Information Act are contradictory and extremely concerning. If any information has, in fact, been withheld from the public, that information needs further investigation." She emphasized the need for transparency from the federal government as they monitor long-term health impacts on residents.

The resolution comes after documents obtained via a Freedom of Information Act request revealed concerns from FEMA officials about potential "cancer clusters" resulting from the chemical spill and smoke plume caused by a controlled burn.

Robb Blasdel added, "The people of East Palestine were let down by the mismanagement of the Biden administration and now is the time to figure out the full extent of what was withheld from the public." She noted her collaboration with U.S. Senators and Ohio's Congressional delegation to establish this special committee.

The resolution urges Congress to form this committee and appoint members of Ohio's Congressional delegation to it.