PROTECTING ACCESS TO ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION

RTKnet: Databases

Google Maps and EPA Data (Google Maps Mania)

This blog entry highlights some recent uses of EPA data and Google Maps technology, making the data more accessible and easier to understand.

(09 Mar 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)

Your Health Depends on Where You Live (TED.com)

In this 10-minute presentation, Bill Davenhall "shows how overlooked government geo-data (from local heart-attack rates to toxic dumpsite info) can mesh with mobile GPS apps to keep doctors in the loop. Call it 'geo-medicine.'"

(16 Feb 2010)

Report Finds Underreporting of Toxic Emissions, Increase in Benzene from Refineries (Environmental Integrity Project)

The nonprofit Environmental Integrity Project used TRI data to identify an 8% increase in benzene emissions from refineries between 2007 and 2008. But the figures may be too low due to problematic underreporting to TRI.

(05 Feb 2010)

RMP Database Updated

OMB Watch today posted updated information about the risks of serious public harm posed by thousands of chemical facilities nationwide. RTK NET's RMP database is available here.

(29 Oct 2009)

EPA Launches Online Forum on Metal Mining and TRI (U.S. EPA)

EPA has opened a new public forum on the agency's blog to gather ideas for a new TRI reporting rule for metal mines. Comments will be received through November 25, 2009.

(06 Oct 2009)

2008 TRI Data Available - National Analysis Expected in December

The EPA has completed its "Early Release" of raw TRI data for 2008. With this latest update, the data set is complete. The agency plans to release its National Analysis of the data sometime in December 2009.

(06 Oct 2009)

Greenhouse Gas Registry Finalized (OMB Watch)

The EPA finalized its mandatory greenhouse gas (GHG) reporting rule Sept. 22, creating the nation's first mandatory GHG registry, with facilities to begin emissions monitoring January 2010.

(22 Sep 2009)

New Contractor Takes Over EPA Data Processing

CGI Federal, Inc. has taken over running the EPA's Central Data Exchange (CDX), including the TRI Data Processing Center. The CDX is the entry point for environmental data exchanges to the EPA, allowing users to submit data online.

(22 Sep 2009)

New Database Compares Cellphone Radiation Levels (New York Times)

A new online tool compares the radiation levels of cellphones. The Environmental Working Group set up the site in response to "provocative and troubling" research into long-term health impacts of cellphone use.

(11 Sep 2009)