PROTECTING ACCESS TO ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION

RTKnet: Environmental Testing

Toxic Chemicals Finding Their Way Into The Womb (CNN)

"A growing number of studies are finding hundreds of toxic chemicals in mothers' and, subsequently, their babies' bodies when they are born."

(04 Jun 2010)

Emissions Often Underestimated, EPA Standards Old (Associated Press)

An AP investigation suggests "pollution from petrochemical plants is at least 10 times greater than what is reported to the government and the public." The formulas and equipment EPA and facilities use to track emissions are old and unreliable.

(14 May 2010)

EPA Initiates Hydraulic Fracturing Study: Agency Seeks Input From SAB (U.S. EPA)

The EPA is beginning a study of the dangers posed by the natural gas drilling process known as hydraulic fracturing, which has been linked to the contamination of surface and drinking water nationwide. A committee of the agency's Science Advisory Board (SAB) will hold a public meeting to consider the design of the study April 7 and 8 in Washington, DC.

(18 Mar 2010)

White House Wants More Transparency in Monitoring Environmental Impacts (Council on Environmental Quality)

The Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) wants federal agencies to improve the monitoring of environmental mitigation projects approved under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and greater public involvement in ensuring mitigation efforts work. Public comments on the proposal may be sent to: Mitigation.guidance@ceq.eop.gov, or here.

(03 Mar 2010)

TAKE ACTION - Tell EPA to Strengthen Monitoring of Lead Pollution in Air (NRDC)

Urge the EPA to protect children’s health by strengthening monitoring requirements for airborne lead pollution. Exposure to lead endangers children, but the EPA does not require monitoring near all industrial sources that emit unsafe amounts of airborne lead.

(05 Feb 2010)

More Monitoring of NO2 in Works (Environment News Service)

EPA is establishing new monitoring requirements in urban areas to measure NO2 levels around major roads and across the community. Monitors must be located near roadways in cities with at least 500,000 residents. However, evidence suggests the OMB interfered with the monitoring requirements.

(29 Jan 2010)

New Bill to Study Risks of Nanotechnology (Sen. Mark Pryor (D-AR))

Senators Mark Pryor (D-AR) and Ben Cardin (D-MD) introduced the Nanotechnology Safety Act of 2010, which would establish a program within the FDA to assess the health and safety implications of nanotechnology in everyday products and develop best practices for companies who employ nanotechnology.

(28 Jan 2010)

Chemical Secrecy Increasing Risks to Public (OMB Watch)

Excessive secrecy prevents the public from knowing what chemicals are used in their communities and what health impacts might be associated with those substances, according to a recent analysis of government data by the nonprofit Environmental Working Group (EWG).

(25 Jan 2010)

CDC Report Tracks Human Exposure to Toxics (NY Times)

The CDC released its fourth biomonitoring report, the most extensive assessment to date of the exposure of Americans to environmental chemicals. The goal of the research is to determine which chemicals end up in people's bodies and at what concentrations. It is meant to help prioritize scientific work and for policymaking.

(14 Dec 2009)

"Split Estate" Exposes Damage From Gas Drilling (Split Estate)

The new documentary, Split Estate, maps a tragedy in the making, as citizens in the path of a new drilling boom in the Rocky Mountain West struggle against the erosion of their civil liberties, their communities, and their health. The film will air again on Planet Green on January 16 and 17, 2010.

(08 Dec 2009)