PROTECTING ACCESS TO ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION

RTKnet: Facts Sheets

Content will all be cross linked with appropriate advocacy center area and be housed collectively in "publications"

Our Right-to-Know About Toxic Pollution Is Under Attack

Our Right-to-Know About Toxic Pollution is Under Attack
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to significantly reduce the amount of local pollution information industries must make available to the public. 

(01 Jun 2006)

"Report Card" for Your Local Emergency Planning Committee

"Report Card" for Your Local Emergency Planning Committee

(01 Jul 2004)

Target on Toxics -- Ten Steps To A Safer Community

Target on Toxics -- Ten Steps To A Safer Community *

Reducing the generation and release of toxic chemicals is the solution to toxic pollution.  Reducing or eliminating the use of toxics, substituting safer chemicals, making industrial processes cleaner and more efficient, and improving industrial housekeeping are good for the environment and good for industrial efficiency.

(02 Dec 2003)

Our Right-to-Know: Bottled Water

Our Right-to-Know: Bottled Water
Effective labeling requirements for bottled water would improve consumer choice, create incentives for safe industry practices, and provide a check on government safety regulations.

(06 Oct 2003)

Our Right-to-Know: Pesticide Product Labels

Our Right-to-Know:  Pesticide Product Labels

Five recommendations for honoring the public's right-to-know about health, safe use, and environmental information on pesticide product labels.

(24 Sep 2003)

Right-to-Know Laws Protect Trade Secrets

Right-to-know laws help prevent industrial toxic pollution by enabling people to track chemical use, waste, or releases to the environment.  Reporting on chemical use in particular helps indus

(24 Aug 2003)

“Shelter in Place" Won't Protect Us

"Shelter in Place" Won't Protect Us

Companies that use extremely hazardous chemicals often tell people that live, work, or go to school nearby to "shelter in place" during a toxic cloud emergency. That means go indoors and close doors, windows, and vents, and wait for toxic fumes to blow away. A simple timeline illustrates that sheltering will not protect numerous nearby people at risk:

[1] How long will it take (in minutes) for:

  • the company to find a chemical leak?..................______ (min.)
(17 Jul 2003)

Posting Pollution Increases Awareness

Posting Pollution Increases Awareness
"Fisherman's right-to-know" law requires companies and sewer systems to post signs where pipes discharge pollution into rivers and streams.

What's the Problem?
Across the country, 40 percent of the nation's assessed waters are still unsafe for fishing, swimming, or supporting aquatic life.

(08 Jul 2003)

Survey of Chemical Industry Hazard Reduction to Protect Public Safety

Survey of Chemical Industry Hazard Reduction to Protect Public Safety - 2002 Survey Summary

In February 2002, U.S. Public Interest Research Group and the Working Group on Community Right-to-Know sent a written survey to over 700 chemical plants. All of these facilities had filed Risk Management Plans with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency because they use or store extremely hazardous substances.

(01 Feb 2002)