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

Help Strengthen America's Toxic Chemicals Standards

Please take action to support legislation to protect our families from dangerous toxic chemicals.

(19 Nov 2009)

New Web Tools Help Public Track Pollution (OMB Watch)

The EPA has launched a new feature on its website that uses several new interactive Web technologies that let users track the emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO2) from coal-fired power plants. SO2 is a pollutant that causes acid rain and harm to public health.

(20 Nov 2009)

Companies Asked to Disclose Water Use (Social Funds)

Recognizing that investors and businesses require information on corporate water usage in a water-constrained world, the Carbon Disclosure Project will request water information from companies using the system established by the CDP for emissions reporting.

(20 Nov 2009)

Top Leaders Using New Media to Reshape Enviro Policy (Huffington Post)

The Huffington Post has ranked the top "Game Changers" using new media technology to reshape environmental policy and public awareness. Ken Cook of the Environmental Working Group was voted number one. Other leaders include Bill McKibben, the Story of Stuff's Annie Leonard, and Roger Doiron of the "Eat the View" web campaign, among others.

(20 Nov 2009)

Mercury at Unsafe Levels in Half of U.S. Lakes, Reservoirs (Environmental Protection Agency)

A new EPA study shows concentrations of toxic chemicals in fish from lakes and reservoirs in nearly all 50 U.S. states. This follows a USGS study that found similar widespread contamination.

(19 Nov 2009)

Obama Nominates New Inspector General at EPA (The White House)

The White House intends to nominate Arthur Elkins Jr., an associate general counsel with EPA's Office of General Counsel, to be EPA inspector general. The I.G. position has been vacant, with the deputy IG filling in, since January 2006.

(18 Nov 2009)

Financial Firms Need to Report GHG Emissions (World Resources Institute)

A new brief from the World Resources Institute, Accounting for Risk, makes the case for reporting by financial institutions of GHG emissions in their investment portfolios. Pressure is mounting for financial companies to disclose their investment risks, especially those from climate change.

(17 Nov 2009)

House Passes Chemical Security Bill (OMB Watch)

The U.S. House approved legislation that seeks to greatly reduce the risks of terrorist attacks on chemical plants and water treatment facilities. The bill includes greater worker participation and the authority for states to implement stronger security standards, but lacks accountability measures.

(12 Nov 2009)

Senator Blocking EPA Research Head Has Ties To Chemical Industry (Mother Jones)

Sen. David Vitter (R-LA) is blocking Pres. Obama's nominee to run EPA's Office of Research and Development, Paul Anastas, a leading advocate for safer chemicals. Vitter's campaign has been funded by chemical manufacturers, including makers of formaldehyde.

(12 Nov 2009)

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Action Alerts and Campaigns

Help Strengthen America's Toxic Chemicals Standards

Please take action to support legislation to protect our families from dangerous toxic chemicals.

(19 Nov 2009)

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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