PROTECTING ACCESS TO ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION

RTKnet: Advocacy Center

Citizens have a right to participate in government decision making about public information access policies and strategies. Citizens also have a right to hold the government accountable for enforcing policies requiring public dissemination of information. This section of RTK NET provides citizens with additional tools with which to influence decisions made by the government regarding your health and safety.

Slow Death by Rubber Duck (Washington Post)

"Provocative and groundbreaking, Slow Death by Rubber Duck reveals how the living of daily life creates a toxic soup inside each of us."

(02 Mar 2010)

Public Speaks on Ideas to Open Up Environmental Agencies (OMB Watch)

Environmental agencies are seeking ideas on how to improve transparency, public participation, collaboration, and innovation, and the agencies are receiving numerous suggestions. The challenge for individual agencies is to shape the diverse ideas into the strategies and goals that will comprise their Open Government Plans.

(01 Mar 2010)

EPA Considers Requiring Reporting of Toxic Hydrogen Sulfide (U.S. EPA)

After a 16-year review, EPA is recommending that it begin requiring polluters to report their releases of hydrogen sulfide. Hydrogen sulfide can be released from factory farms, wastewater treatment plants, oil and gas operations, and other human activities. The public may comment on the proposal here.

(01 Mar 2010)

How Would You Grade EPA’s Environmental Justice Role? (U.S. EPA)

The EPA is seeking the public's views on the question, "How do you feel about EPA’s current efforts toward working for environmental justice?" Citizens can join the conversation at the EPA blog.

(01 Mar 2010)

More Time to Comment on Disclosure of Pesticide Ingredients (U.S. EPA)

In response to industry requests, the EPA has extended the public comment period on its proposal to require disclosure of pesticide ingredients, including so-called inert ingredients, until April 23, 2010. "Inert" ingredients can be extremely dangerous but are usually not dislosed on pesticide labels. Submit your comments here.

(25 Feb 2010)

Earthjustice Fights for Disclosure of Household Toxics (Earthjustice)

A long-neglected New York state law requires household cleaning product manufacturers to disclose their chemical ingredients and information about the health risks they pose. Earthjustice attorneys are fighting in NY State Supreme Court to see the law enforced. The lawsuit impacts cleaning products sold nationwide.

(23 Feb 2010)

California Moves to List BPA as Toxin (Breast Cancer Fund)

The California Environmental Protection Agency signaled its intent to add bisphenol A (BPA) to the state’s official list of chemicals known to cause cancer or birth defects, adding to the mounting evidence that the plastics chemical should be banned from food and beverage containers. The list is part of California's right-to-know program, know as Proposition 65.

(16 Feb 2010)

Obama Admin Launches Agency Web Sites to Boost Transparency (NY Times)

As part of the Obama administration's Open Government Directive, the EPA, Interior Department, Energy Department, and Department of Agriculture have launched new websites to serve as hubs for each agency's open government actions, and to encourage public involvement in creating their open government plans.

(12 Feb 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)

Tell EPA How to Clean Up Closed Auto Industry Sites (U.S. EPA)

COMMENT NOW on EPA's blog: What can EPA do to help communities understand the environmental conditions at former auto sector sites? And what can EPA do to help communities revitalize those sites?

(05 Feb 2010)