A few things to know about Erin Brockovich ahead of East Palestine town hall

Environmental and consumer advocate Erin Brockovich plans to host a town hall Friday in East Palestine, Ohio, after a Norfolk Southern train carrying hazardous materials derailed Feb. 3 and released toxic chemicals.

Here are a few things to know about the activist and public speaker.

• In 1993, law clerk Brockovich, an unemployed single mother, became a activist for clean water after built a case against Pacific Gas & Electric Co., contending the power company contaminated the drinking water of Hinkley, Calif. In 1996, the case was settled for $333 million.
• Brockovich was popularized by a 2000 film starring Julia Roberts and directed by Steven Soderbergh. The film is based on the case involving PG&E.
• The chemical at the center of the PG&E case, chromium-6 (which is also known as the “Erin Brockovich” chemical) was described as “likely to be carcinogenic” if consumed in drinking water, according to an EPA draft review in October as reported by Bloomberg Law.
• She is the author of four books. Her most recent one is “Superman’s Not Coming. Our national water crisis and what we the people can do about it.” She has a podcast of the same name.

Brockovich will appear with attorney Mikal Watts at 6 p.m. at the East Palestine High School Auditorium at 360 Grant St. on Friday. Brockovich said they will explain people’s legal rights at the meeting, which has limited space. Those wishing to attend can register at eastpalestinejustice.com.