National (U.S.)

Trump Rejection of Transition Deal Adds Wrinkle to Its Transparency Pledges

"The refusal by President-elect Donald J. Trump’s team to sign a transition agreement with the General Services Administration means that, despite the team’s pledges to abide by several transparency customs of presidential handovers, it isn’t legally bound to follow through on its promises."

Source: NYTimes, 12/02/2024

"Exxon Lobbyist Investigated Over Hack-And-Leak Of Environmentalist Emails"

"The FBI has been investigating a longtime Exxon Mobil consultant over the contractor's alleged role in a hack-and-leak operation that targeted hundreds of the oil company’s biggest critics, according to three people familiar with the matter."

Source: Reuters, 12/02/2024

"Inside the Plastic Industry’s Battle to Win Over Hearts and Minds"

"A trove of documents leaked from an influential industry group shows how some of the world’s largest petrochemical and plastics companies have been waging a campaign to push back against a “tide of anti-plastic sentiment” — especially among young people concerned about the environment."

Source: NYTimes, 12/02/2024

Reporting on Illegal Wildlife Trade – Story Ideas, Safety Tips and More

Illicit trade in wild animals and plants is a billion-dollar global business that threatens biodiversity and human health. Endless reporting opportunities range from exposing corruption and criminal networks to debunking claims about products derived from endangered species. Journalist Rene Ebersole shares insights from her 20 years on the trail of wildlife smugglers, poachers and other environmental lawbreakers — and introduces a new nonprofit dedicated to this beat.

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EPA Science Integrity Threatened by House Republicans

The closest thing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has to a press policy is actually its scientific integrity policy. But as WatchDog Opinion writer Joseph Davis writes in the latest EJ TransitionWatch, the EPA’s scientific integrity policy is under direct attack by a powerful congressman. What’s behind the attack? And could the EPA’s science be under assault next?

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December 20, 2024

DEADLINE: Ida B. Wells Society Investigative Reporting Fellowships

U.S.-based journalists with at least three years' experience are invited to apply by Dec 20, 2024 for this no-cost, intensive program which will bring professional journalists to Atlanta to sharpen their investigative reporting skills under the guidance of some of the most accomplished reporters and editors in the industry.

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Help SEJ Support Journalists Like Karen Pinchin

Karen Pinchin is an investigative science journalist based in Halifax, Nova Scotia. She writes about food systems, climate change, ocean science and the culture, history and social justice threads that connect those fields. You can help SEJ support journalists like Karen by giving to SEJ programs, Fund for Environmental Journalism, annual conference travel fellowships, members-in-need fund or creating a legacy with a free will.

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House Passes Bill To Let Treasury Target Nonprofits It Deems "Terrorist"

"The U.S. House passed legislation Thursday that would give the Treasury Department unilateral authority to strip the tax-exempt status of nonprofits it claims support terrorism, alarming civil liberties groups about how a second Trump presidency could invoke it to punish political opponents."

Source: AP, 11/26/2024

Texas Reaches $12.6 Million Settlement On 2019 Port Neches Chemical Blast

"Texas reached a $12.6 million settlement with TPC Group over environmental violations related to the November 2019 explosions at the company’s Port Neches chemical plant, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced Friday."

Source: Texas Tribune, 11/26/2024

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