PROTECTING ACCESS TO ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION

RTK Spotlight

EPA Makes Greenhouse Gas Data Publically Available for the First Time (EPA)

For the first time, comprehensive greenhouse gas (GHG) data reported directly from large facilities and suppliers across the country are now easily accessible to the public through EPA’s GHG Reporting Program. The 2010 GHG data released today include public information from facilities in nine industry groups that directly emit large quantities of GHGs, as well as suppliers of certain fossil fuels.

(31 Jan 2012)

TRI Industry Sectors Expansion (EPA)

EPA invites public insight on a variety of topics related to EPA plans to potentially expand the scope of sectors covered by the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) Program. Learn more

(16 Nov 2011)

Senate Passes Bill to Improve Pipeline Safety and Increase Public Access to Information (OMB Watch)

On Oct. 17, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed a bill to strengthen safety standards and increase public availability of inspection results and enforcement actions related to the nation’s 2.3 million miles of pipelines. The legislation was sparked by a series of deadly explosions in 2010 and 2011 that drew scrutiny to the safety of gas and oil pipelines.

(16 Nov 2011)

EPA launches electronic GHG reporting tool (EPA)

Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is launching a new tool to allow 28 industrial sectors to submit their 2010 greenhouse gas (GHG) pollution data electronically. Prior to being finalized, more than1,000 stakeholders, including industry associations, states and NGOs tested the electronic GHG Reporting Tool (e-GGRT) to ensure clarity and user-friendliness.

(01 Sep 2011)

EPA Publishes Rule to Improve Reporting of Chemical Information (EPA)

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is increasing the type and amount of information it collects on commercial chemicals from chemical manufacturers, allowing the Agency to better identify and manage potential risks to Americans’ health and the environment. The improved rule, known as the chemical data reporting Rule (CDR), also requires that companies submit the information electronically to EPA, rather than on paper, and limits confidentiality claims by companies. The changes are part of EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson’s commitment to strengthen the agency’s chemical management program and increase the transparency of critical information on chemicals.

(18 Aug 2011)

EPA Proposes New Expansions to the Toxics Release Inventory Program (OMB Watch)

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently announced its plans to expand the industry sectors required to report to the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) program and to require electronic reporting for all TRI data. These steps are part of EPA's ongoing efforts to improve and reinvigorate the TRI program.

(18 Jul 2011)

Congress Seeks to Reveal Toxic Drilling Chemicals (OMB Watch)

Congressional Democrats have reintroduced legislation that would disclose the hazardous chemicals used in drilling for natural gas. Cases of potential water contamination have been increasing as the nation experiences a boom in gas drilling. Secrecy surrounding the identities of the chemicals, many of which are known to be hazardous, has hampered efforts to protect public and environmental health.

(25 Mar 2011)

EPA Proposes Expanding Drinking Water Monitoring (U.S. EPA)

The EPA is proposing adding 30 currently unregulated contaminants for monitoring in drinking water systems, and submitting this proposal for public comment. EPA plans to test for several hormones in drinking water supplies, along with metals, VOCs, perfluorinated compounds, and other substances. Under the Safe Drinking Water Act, EPA must keep drinking water standards up-to-date with emerging science and identify up to 30 unregulated contaminants for monitoring every five years. EPA is requesting public comment on the proposed list of 30 contaminants until May 2, 2011.

(09 Mar 2011)

What Are Your Thoughts on EPA’s Plan to Review Existing Regulations? (U.S. EPA)

A new question of the month has been posted on EPA's Discussion Forum: What are your thoughts on EPA’s plan to review our existing regulations?

(28 Feb 2011)

At Long Last: EPA Releases Pesticide Use Statistics (Pesticide Action Network)

The EPA has released its statistics on pesticide use nationwide, the first such data release since the Bush administration blocked publication in 2001. Click here to learn about trends and how much and what types of pesticides are in use in the US.

(25 Feb 2011)

EPA Expands TRI Progam (OMB Watch)

For the first time since 1999, the EPA has added chemicals to the list of toxic substances that must be reported to the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI). The TRI program tracks toxic pollution from thousands of facilities nationwide. The move is an overdue step in the right direction for this crucial right-to-know program and represents a welcome break from the previous administration's attempts to weaken TRI.

(03 Dec 2010)

EPA Plans for Greater Openness in Coming Years (OMB Watch)

The EPA will incorporate greater transparency, accountability, and community engagement throughout its operations over the next five years, according to the agency's recently released Fiscal Year (FY) 2011-2015 Strategic Plan. The new strategic plan is the agency's first developed under the Obama administration, which has made increasing government openness a high priority.

(21 Oct 2010)

Tell EPA How It Can Serve Whole Communities (U.S. EPA)

EPA is asking the public: "What steps can EPA take to ensure that technical assistance to communities serves the needs of the whole community, and not just a small group?" Anyone can share their ideas with the agency on the EPA's Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response discussion forum. Let your voice be heard.

(08 Oct 2010)

EPA Seeks to Enhance Public Access to Chemical Data (OMB Watch)

The EPA has proposed several changes to its regulation of chemicals that should improve the public's access to crucial information. The improved data collected under the proposed rule will help the agency and the public identify potential chemical risks and take action to manage those risks.

(20 Aug 2010)

Tell EPA How to Protect Drinking Water (U.S. EPA)

The EPA is launching a web-based discussion forum to gather public input on how the agency can improve protection of drinking water. The information will be used in implementing EPA’s new drinking water strategy announced by Administrator Lisa P. Jackson in March. To join the discussion: http://blog.epa.gov/dwstrat. There will also be a listening session August 19, in Rancho Cucamonga, CA

(17 Aug 2010)

TAKE ACTION - Tell Congress to Support Research on Hormone-Disrupting Chemicals (The Endocrine Disruption Exchange)

A growing pandemic of endocrine-related disorders, such as ADHD, Parkinsons, Alzheimers, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, early puberty, infertility and other reproductive disorders, and childhood and adult cancers, is seriously undermining the health and wealth of our nation. TAKE ACTION and demand greater research to identify endocrine disrupting chemicals and determine their safety.

(03 Aug 2010)

EPA Pushing TRI Data Out to Public with New Tools, Earliest Data Release Ever (OMB Watch)

The EPA has released the preliminary 2009 Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) data, the earliest data release in the history of the program. In addition, new tools help the public use the data: a mobile device application, myRight-to-Know, and a searchable database of chemical hazard data, TRI-CHIP.

(30 Jul 2010)

TAKE ACTION: Tell Congress to Label Genetically Modified Foods! (Grassroots Network)

The Genetically Engineered Food Right to Know Act (HR 5577) calls for the labeling of genetically engineered food, which may negatively impact health. Potential risks of consuming genetically engineered food include birth defects, sterility, and "horizontal gene transfer," among other adverse effects. Contact your representative here, and defend your right to know!

(22 Jul 2010)

Sen. Lautenberg Introduces Bills to Protect Chemical and Water Plants Nationwide (Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ))

Sen. Lautenberg (D-NJ) introduced the Secure Water Facilities Act and the Secure Chemical Facilities Act, which will "close a gap that leaves millions of families vulnerable to an attack on America's chemical plants and water treatment facilities." According to Lautenberg, this legislation will "ensure a thorough review of risk, and help us move toward more secure plants and safer communities."

(15 Jul 2010)

TAKE ACTION - Tell Your Representatives To Support the FRAC Act (Food & Water Watch)

Companies that are threatening our drinking water with hydraulic fracturing can't be held accountable under the Safe Drinking Water Act, and they don't have to disclose the 596 chemicals that they are injecting into the ground. Ask your representative to close the loophole and require companies to disclose the chemicals they are using by passing the FRAC Act.

(15 Jul 2010)