PROTECTING ACCESS TO ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION

Welcome to the redesigned Right-to-Know Network, helping advocates push for improved access to government-held information on the environment, health, and safety.

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News In Brief

RMP Database Updated

OMB Watch today posted updated information about the risks of serious public harm posed by thousands of chemical facilities nationwide. RTK NET's RMP database is available here.

(29 Oct 2009)

Environmental Justice Small Grants Announcement

EPA announced its 2010 Request For Applications (RFA) from entities interested in participating in the Environmental Justice Small Grants Program, which supports communities working on solutions to local environmental and public health issues.

(02 Nov 2009)

Weak Oversight Threatens Integrity of Energy Star Label (NY Times)

The Energy Department has concluded in an internal audit that it does not properly track whether manufacturers that give their appliances an Energy Star label have met the required specifications for energy efficiency.

(30 Oct 2009)

Cancer-Causing Toxin Found In Air Near Gas Facilities (WFAA (Dallas/Fort Worth))

Air monitoring found potentially dangerous levels of benzene leaking from natural gas wells. One researcher said, "What I don't think anybody really knows yet is are the levels of these compounds...high enough and have they been in the air long enough to be a potential cancer risk?"

(30 Oct 2009)

Congress Chooses Ignorance on GHG Emissions (OMB Watch)

Congress is exempting factory farms from having to track and report greenhouse gas emissions from manure management systems.

(30 Oct 2009)

EPA Posts New Data on School Air Toxics Monitoring (U.S. EPA)

Results of air quality monitoring at schools in 22 states are available online. EPA scientists warn against drawing conclusions at this point since the project is designed to show if long-term, not short-term, exposure poses health risks to children.

(29 Oct 2009)

EPA Orders Chemical Testing for Hormone Effects (U.S. EPA)

EPA has issued the first test orders for seven of 67 pesticide chemicals to be screened for their potential effects on the endocrine system. Atrazine, a widespread water pollutant, is included among the first seven orders.

(29 Oct 2009)

New “Coalition for Chemical Safety” Called Industry Front Group (Environmental Defense Fund)

A new organization involved in chemical policy reform is linked to secretive industry lobbying groups.

(26 Oct 2009)

Rep. Markey Questions OMB on Endocrine Disruptor Data

In a letter to OMB, Rep. Ed Markey (D-MA.) questioned recent OMB instructions to EPA regarding endocrine system disrupting chemicals. "OMB's directive may have the unintended consequence of preventing EPA from obtaining the very information it needs to make informed decisions," said Rep. Markey in his letter. The letter is available here.

(22 Oct 2009)

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Action Alerts and Campaigns

TAKE ACTION – Tell Congress to Force Disclosure of Toxic Drilling Chemicals

A controversial natural gas drilling technique is suspected of contaminating drinking water across the country, but more research cannot be done because the drilling companies won't disclose what toxic chemicals they are pumping into the ground. Congress is now considering legislation that would force drillers to disclose what chemicals they are using, but it needs our support against Big Oil and Gas.

(17 Sep 2009)

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