Government

Tapping the "Fishbowl" — Is EPA Doing Some Things Right on FOI?

OMB Watch, a fierce FOI advocacy group, says EPA has been working hard to push hitherto restricted data out to the public, citing the earliest-ever release of TRI data, monitoring data on atrazine in water, and more.

SEJ Publication Types:

Topics on the Beat:

Region:

Visibility:

Read more about Tapping the "Fishbowl" — Is EPA Doing Some Things Right on FOI?

SEJ Joins Amicus Brief on Dangerously Expanded FOIA Exemption

Several media organizations have joined the case of a Puget Sound resident denied information, under the "law enforcement" exemption to FOIA, that would identify the locations and potential blast ranges of explosive ordnance stored in the area.

SEJ Publication Types:

Topics on the Beat:

Region:

Visibility:

Read more about SEJ Joins Amicus Brief on Dangerously Expanded FOIA Exemption

EPA Expands Energy Conservation Push with Churches

The estimated 370,000 houses of worship in the US could reduce energy consumption as much as 30%, so EPA is offering incentives, resources, and tools as encouragement.

SEJ Publication Types:

Topics on the Beat:

Region:

Visibility:

Read more about EPA Expands Energy Conservation Push with Churches

New Findings Slow CO2 Sequestration Rule

EPA has been working on regulations designed to protect drinking water from impacts of underground carbon sequestration, but new data and concerns have spurred the agency to open a short new public comment period.

SEJ Publication Types:

Topics on the Beat:

Region:

Visibility:

Read more about New Findings Slow CO2 Sequestration Rule

Coal and Water – Do They Mix?

Journalists around the US who cover water quality, as well as those who cover coal mining and/or Appalachia, will benefit from an analytical NYT series and databases, combined with a Sept. 11 EPA announcement about extended NPDES permit reviews.

SEJ Publication Types:

Topics on the Beat:

Region:

Visibility:

Read more about Coal and Water – Do They Mix?

"U.S. Ending Oil-Royalty Program After Scandal"

"The Interior Department announced on Wednesday that it was ending an oil and gas royalty program that ignited a scandal last year when it was disclosed that federal employees had engaged in corruption, drug use and sexual misconduct with oil industry officials."

Government

Public

National (U.S.)

Source: NYTimes, 09/17/2009

Read more about "U.S. Ending Oil-Royalty Program After Scandal"

"Cass Sunstein Confirmed 57-40"

"Cass Sunstein, President Obama’s pick to head the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, was confirmed handily by the Senate just now by a vote of 57 ayes to 40 nays."

Government

Public

National (U.S.)

Source: Washington Independent, 09/11/2009

Read more about "Cass Sunstein Confirmed 57-40"

Could Smart Meters Allow Privacy Invasion?

The Philadelphia Inquirer explores the implications of an electric meter that knows when you are sleeping, when you are awake, and a lot more besides.

SEJ Publication Types:

Topics on the Beat:

Region:

Visibility:

Read more about Could Smart Meters Allow Privacy Invasion?

Government Clinical Trials Database Is Missing Data

The Sunlight Foundation's Real Time Investigations blog explains the problems with a registry containing information on more than 78,000 clinical trials.

SEJ Publication Types:

Topics on the Beat:

Region:

Visibility:

Read more about Government Clinical Trials Database Is Missing Data

Did EPA Hide Atrazine Risks?

The Huffington Post Investigative Fund uncovers EPA's failure to warn people in at least four states about unsafe levels of the weedkiller atrazine in their wellwater.

SEJ Publication Types:

Topics on the Beat:

Region:

Visibility:

Read more about Did EPA Hide Atrazine Risks?

Government

Pages