Publication Items

Coal Ash Data Waiting for Local Reporters

Use this roundup of sources to write a probing story about the ash, slag, and sludge from coal-burning electric utilities — which containins heavy metals that can pollute water, and even bury people's houses.
SEJ Publication Types:
WatchDog TipSheet
Topics on the Beat:
Chemicals
Disasters
Energy & Fuel
Pollution
Government
Region:
National (U.S.)
Visibility:
Public
- Read more about Coal Ash Data Waiting for Local Reporters
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:
WatchDog TipSheet
Topics on the Beat:
Government
Journalism & Media
Region:
National (U.S.)
Visibility:
Public
- 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:
WatchDog TipSheet
Topics on the Beat:
Disasters
Laws & Regulations
Government
Region:
Northwest (OR WA)
Visibility:
Public
- Read more about SEJ Joins Amicus Brief on Dangerously Expanded FOIA Exemption
Sept. 27 PBS Show To Focus on National Parks

There are scads of good stories in parks. Find one near you, and check out Ken Burns' 6-part, 12-hour documentary, along with the scheduled pre-screenings and press events.
SEJ Publication Types:
TipSheet
Topics on the Beat:
Natural Resources
Journalism & Media
Region:
National (U.S.)
Visibility:
Public
- Read more about Sept. 27 PBS Show To Focus on National Parks
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:
TipSheet
Topics on the Beat:
Energy & Fuel
Government
People & Population
Region:
National (U.S.)
Visibility:
Public
- 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:
TipSheet
Topics on the Beat:
Climate Change
Energy & Fuel
Laws & Regulations
Government
Region:
National (U.S.)
Visibility:
Public
- 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:
TipSheet
Topics on the Beat:
Energy & Fuel
Pollution
Water & Oceans
Government
Region:
National (U.S.)
Visibility:
Public
- Read more about Coal and Water – Do They Mix?
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:
WatchDog TipSheet
Topics on the Beat:
Energy & Fuel
Government
People & Population
Region:
National (U.S.)
Visibility:
Public
- 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:
WatchDog TipSheet
Topics on the Beat:
Health
Government
Policy
Region:
National (U.S.)
Visibility:
Public
- Read more about Government Clinical Trials Database Is Missing Data
Law Allows Astroturf Roots Cover-Up

Current law has no disclosure requirements for fake grass-roots lobbying — such as that of a coal industry campaign to stop climate legislation which sent forged letters to members of Congress, pretending to be from minority and community organizations.
SEJ Publication Types:
WatchDog TipSheet
Topics on the Beat:
Climate Change
Energy & Fuel
Laws & Regulations
Region:
National (U.S.)
Visibility:
Public
- Read more about Law Allows Astroturf Roots Cover-Up

Pages

Browse Publications

Advertisement

Advertise with SEJ