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    Ohio Commission Decides to Allow Fracking in State Parks

    Ohio Commission Decides to Allow Fracking in State Parks

    A government commission in Ohio has decided to open some state parks and wildlife areas to fracking.  The decision comes amid an investigation on allegations of possible fraudulent support from an industry group representing energy companies, The Associated Press reported. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources Oil and Gas Land Management Commission (OGLMC) greenlit multiple […]

    How a Trainload of Toxic Chemicals Derailed Everyday Life in Ohio

    How a Trainload of Toxic Chemicals Derailed Everyday Life in Ohio

    Every thirty minutes, a Norfolk Southern train passes through East Palestine.  Three months ago, no one in this northeastern Ohio village of just under 5,000 people would have batted an eye at the sight of the long trains passing through. No one would have turned a head at the sound of the train’s whistle as […]

    EPA’s Internal Watchdog to Investigate Agency’s Response to East Palestine Train Derailment

    EPA’s Internal Watchdog to Investigate Agency’s Response to East Palestine Train Derailment

    Residents of East Palestine, Ohio, have criticized the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for its response to the derailment of a Norfolk Southern train that released toxins including vinyl chloride — a plastic production chemical linked to liver cancer — into the town’s environment.  Now, the EPA’s internal watchdog said it would investigate the agency’s […]

    Why Does White East Palestine, Ohio Get Apologies, But None for Black Cancer Alley?

    Why Does White East Palestine, Ohio Get Apologies, But None for Black Cancer Alley?

    On Wednesday, Norfolk Southern CEO Alan Shaw told a Senate hearing he was “terribly sorry” for February’s fiery train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio. The train was loaded with poisonous chemicals. The most notable was vinyl chloride, a known human carcinogen. The resulting spills and plumes sickened many residents, killed 40,000 fish, and caused a temporary evacuation of many of the town’s 4,700 residents.