RTKnet: FOIA

PROTECTING ACCESS TO ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION

Energy Department Pressed to Release Records (Friends of the Earth)

FOE filed a FOIA request to require the Department of Energy to release the details of its bailout agreement with Southern Company. According to FOE, the bailout, a loan guarantee for the construction of nuclear reactors, could cost taxpayers billions. "Taxpayers have been kept in the dark about the details of this deal entered into on their behalf. The public has a right to know the terms of this agreement."

(21 Jun 2010)

Decades of Out-of-Control Trade Secrets Claims at EPA (Environmental Defense Fund)

A 1992 report from EPA, "Influence of CBI Requirements on TSCA Implementation," shows the extent of trade secrecy allegations that hide chemical data from the public. Very little has changed in the 18 years since, and even more data are hidden from public view today.

(12 Feb 2010)

EPA Pushing Data Out to the Public (OMB Watch)

Across a range of issues, the EPA is taking active steps to improve transparency. However, it is still too early to determine whether these information disclosures comprise an agency-wide commitment to openness and engagement with the public.

(15 Sep 2009)

Secrecy Report Card Released (OpenTheGovernment.org)

The annual Secrecy Report Card was released Sept. 8 by a coalition of open government groups. The report covers whistleblowers, transparency in advisory committee meetings, Freedom of Information Act requests, and other topics, plus a section on President Obama's first months.

(08 Sep 2009)

EPA Back in The "Fishbowl" (OMB Watch)

The head of the EPA has directed employees to follow principles of transparency in a new memo.

(07 May 2009)