PROTECTING ACCESS TO ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION

RTKnet: Environmental Testing

Beaches Still Polluted Shows Survey of Water Monitoring (NRDC)

U.S. beaches remained dangerously polluted in 2008, with more than 20,000 closing and advisory days at ocean, bay, and Great Lakes beaches. NRDC's new report, Testing the Waters: A Guide to Water Quality at Vacation Beaches, analyzes EPA data. See how your beach fared.

(30 Jul 2009)

New Database on Pesticides, Food, and Health Risks (Pesticide Action Network)

A new searchable database shows what pesticides are found on different foods, in what amount, and the health effects associated with exposure to each of the chemicals.

(24 Jul 2009)

Fewer Regulations for Bottled Water Than Tap, GAO Says (NY Times - Greenwire)

Bottled water manufacturers are not required to disclose as much information as municipal water utilities because of gaps in federal oversight authority, according to reports released by government auditors.

(17 Jul 2009)

EPA Calls for Transparency as "First Step" to Improving Water Quality (OMB Watch)

Head of EPA calls for greater transparency with government performance on water quality. EPA will meet with public, create strategy over next 90 days.

(16 Jul 2009)

EPA Launches Protection Team to Explore Widespread Bee Deaths (U.S. EPA)

In response to the collapse of bee populations in the U.S. and other countries, EPA is expanding its investigations into the impact of pesticides on pollinators.

(03 Jul 2009)

New data suggest PBDE byproducts are ubiquitous in U.S. waters (Environmental Science & Technology)

Research shows that toxic PBDE flame retardants are ubiquitous and dioxins can be created when the flame retardants in wastewater are exposed to sunlight.

(03 Jul 2009)

Industry Secrecy Hindering Protection from Toxics

The excessive use of confidential business information claims is a major factor preventing the government from safe, effective management of thousands of industrial chemicals, according to several experts who recently presented their views to a congressional panel.

(30 Apr 2009)

EPA to Test Pesticides for Endocrine Disruption (Washington Post)

The EPA will test 67 pesticide chemicals for effects on human endocrine system.

(27 Apr 2009)

"Fracking" of gas wells endangers public (off-site)

The natural gas drilling industry refuses to disclose what potentially harmful chemicals are used in thousands of hydraulic fracturing gas wells across the country, despite evidence that the chemicals are poisoning drinking water supplies. As concerns mount, several states are considering action to curb use of the process despite the federal government's efforts to encourage it with large subsidies and environmental exemptions.

(04 Dec 2008)

Secrecy Won't Protect Us

Secrecy Won't Protect Us
By George Sorvalis

Do you know what hazardous chemicals are in your neighborhood, your air, and your drinking water?  Community right-to-know laws can help you find out.  Community right-to-know laws give people a greater voice in environmental decisions by providing communities with information about dangerous chemical storage, contaminated drinking water, or other potential hazards. 

(30 Aug 2004)