The SEJ WatchDog Alert

The WatchDog Alert (formerly WatchDog TipSheet from 2008-2019) was a regular source of story ideas, articles, updates, events and other information with a focus on freedom-of-information issues of concern to environmental journalists in both the United States and Canada.

WatchDog was compiled, edited and written by Joseph A. Davis, who directs the WatchDog Project, an activity of SEJ's Freedom of Information Task Force that reports on secrecy trends and supports reporters' efforts to make better use of FOIA.

Topics on the Beat:

Journalism & Media

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Latest WatchDog Alert Items

July 18, 2019

Access To Agency Scientists Shrinks. Congress May Change That

EPA scientists commonly tell reporters they are not allowed to talk to media without permission from the agency's press office. Now congressional Democrats have introduced a bill reinforcing the right of scientists to talk to reporters.

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July 15, 2019

Sen. Hirono Leads Letter Warning of Science Data Suppression at USGS

"Last week, Sen. Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawai‘i) and 21 of her US Senate colleagues sent a letter to Dr. James Reilly, the director of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), to express their concern over recent reports that USGS will only utilize climate models that project the effects of climate change through 2040."

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July 13, 2019

"The Environment For Reporters Covering The EPA Just Got A Lot More Toxic"

"While the Trump administration is not known for velvety smooth relations with the news media, federal agencies are far more likely to ignore reporters than to officially scold them. Not the EPA. Reporters whom the agency deems to have misreported can expect to hear about it, and not just through a polite phone call or an email requesting a correction. Instead, the EPA goes public."

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July 11, 2019

"Pressure Mounts Against EPA's New FOIA Rule"

"A Democratic lawmaker along with a group of nearly 40 media publications are raising concerns over a new Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) public information rule that could allow political officials more leeway to withhold requested documents."

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July 8, 2019

"Environmental Groups Fight EPA's New FOIA Rule"

"A coalition of environmental groups pushed back Monday against a new Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule that could restrict access to public records."

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July 7, 2019

"Lawmakers Talk Legislation In Response To FOIA Changes"

"Senators from both parties are unhappy with new Trump administration rules giving political appointees at two government agencies more power to review public information requests, and they say they may craft legislation to fix it."

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June 26, 2019

New EPA Rule Could Give Politicals More Veto Power on FOIA Requests

"More political appointees at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) could soon have the authority to weigh in on public information requests. The rule is expected to be published in the Federal Register as early as Wednesday and will not allow for a public comment period."

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June 20, 2019

"Inquiries at EPA's Science Integrity Office Spike Under Trump"

"Inquiries to the Environmental Protection Agency office that protects science have spiked during the Trump administration amid widespread reports that political appointees have interfered with the work of career employees."

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June 18, 2019

Greens Ask Interior Watchdog To Probe Agency's Public Records Policies

"A number of conservation groups are asking the Interior Department’s internal watchdog to investigate reports that political appointees are improperly interfering in the release of public records."

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June 11, 2019

"Schiff Demands Intelligence Agencies Provide Documents On White House’s Suppression Of Climate Testimony"

"House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam B. Schiff (D-Calif.) demanded Tuesday that the heads of two federal intelligence agencies provide documents detailing how White House officials sought to edit — and then suppress — written testimony saying that human activities are warming the planet and that the climate changes underway pose a grave national security threat."

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The SEJ WatchDog Alert

Latest WatchDog Alert Items

July 18, 2019

Access To Agency Scientists Shrinks. Congress May Change That

July 15, 2019

Sen. Hirono Leads Letter Warning of Science Data Suppression at USGS

July 13, 2019

"The Environment For Reporters Covering The EPA Just Got A Lot More Toxic"

July 11, 2019

"Pressure Mounts Against EPA's New FOIA Rule"

July 8, 2019

"Environmental Groups Fight EPA's New FOIA Rule"

July 7, 2019

"Lawmakers Talk Legislation In Response To FOIA Changes"

June 26, 2019

New EPA Rule Could Give Politicals More Veto Power on FOIA Requests

June 20, 2019

"Inquiries at EPA's Science Integrity Office Spike Under Trump"

June 18, 2019

Greens Ask Interior Watchdog To Probe Agency's Public Records Policies

June 11, 2019

"Schiff Demands Intelligence Agencies Provide Documents On White House’s Suppression Of Climate Testimony"

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