GM Dropout Endangers Vehicle Mercury Switch Recycling Program

August 19, 2009–The Associated Press reports "GM says mercury pollution not its problem anymore," defaulting on its dues payments just as the US government's cash-for-clunkers program is causing the retirement of many older vehicles.

More Lead Monitors Coming to a Facility or City Near You?

August 5, 2009–The Bush Administration, through the OMB, pressured EPA to water down lead monitoring requirements it had tightened in October 2008. Now EPA may get more or all of the monitors it originally wanted, near facilities that emit about a half ton of lead per year.

Without Warning System, Communities Blind to Toxic Disaster

July 29, 2009–A July 26 McClatchy story about an ammonia spill that killed one in South Carolina is similar to others that could be told in other U.S. states.

Battle Over Chemical Facility Security Reignites

July 22, 2009–The extended deadline for temporary regulations addressing the security of thousands of chemical facilities expires Oct. 4, 2009. If Congress doesn't enact new legislation, business may continue as usual. But there is a possibility that Congress will act this year.

Toolbox: Homeland Security Daily Infrastructure Report

July 15, 2009–Reporters interested in following the hazards of dams, refineries, chemical plants, pipelines, and other infrastructure may find story leads in DHS reports.

Bills Seek Disclosure of "Fracking" Chemicals That May Threaten Drinking Wells

July 1, 2009–Proposed legislation would repeal a provision allowing secrecy over chemicals injected underground during high-tech gas drilling — such as benzene and toluene, which are known to be toxic.

EPA Relents, Releases List of 44 High-Hazard Coal-Ash Ponds

July 1, 2009–FOIA requests and Congressional pressure got the Obama administration to reverse its decision to withhold key information about dangers to communities from coal-ash ponds operated by electric utilities.

Rockefeller Introduces Bill To Outlaw Bayer Chem-Secrecy Ruse

July 1, 2009–Rockefeller's bill keeps FOIA exemptions for real security information, but forbids using the "sensitive security information" stamp.

EPA To Announce Proposed NO2 Standard

June 24, 2009–After several years of preparatory work, EPA is expected to announce by June 26, 2009, its proposed primary standard for one of the six "criteria" air pollutants, nitrogen dioxide.

North American Toxics Data Released

June 24, 2009–The Commission for Environmental Cooperation, which is a joint effort of Canada, the US, and Mexico, released on June 10, 2009, its annual report tracking and comparing toxic emissions.