EPA Reverses Bush-Era Toxics Release Inventory Blackout

April 22, 2009–A new rule signed by EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson restores cuts in how much data communities can get about nearby industrial releases of toxic substances.

Toolbox: EPA's Pesticide Emergency Exemptions Database

April 22, 2009–There could be a story breeding behind the emergency pesticide exemptions — which could number in the hundreds — in your state.

EPA To Test School Air Quality

April 15, 2009–Following a December 2008 USA Today investigation into toxic air enveloping US schools, EPA will begin monitoring air quality around 62 schools in 22 states.

Lung Association To Release Air Quality Report

April 15, 2009–The ALA's annual State of the Air report can provide a useful hook for reporting on air quality in your community, but for the big picture, do go beyond the sound-bite information emphasized in the report.

Consent Decree Forces Regs on Selected Gas and Diesel Engines

April 1, 2009–Restrictions would be placed on many types of stationary diesel and gas-fired engines under a proposed EPA rule.

Blue Sky for TRI?

March 25, 2009–EPA's public release of the latest Toxics Release Inventory data -- and rollback of Bush-era cutbacks on the amount of information chemical companies must report -- may have marked the beginning of a new era for the embattled program.

CSB Reschedules W.VA. Meeting After Bayer Secrecy Demands

March 25, 2009–A public meeting regarding the U.S. Chemical Safety Board's investigation of the August 2008 explosion at Bayer CropScience which killed two workers, originally scheduled for March 19, was postponed to April 23, 2009.

EPA Inspector General Rips Risk Management Plan Follow-Up

March 25, 2009–A new Office of Inspector General report found many chemical facilities storing large amounts of dangerous chemicals had not filed their required RMPs -- and that EPA was not checking often for compliance.

Groups Call On EPA To Settle Suit, Restore TRI

March 11, 2009–Hundreds of civic groups and individuals called on EPA March 1, 2009, to restore the Toxics Release Inventory to its former usefulness for informing people of what toxic chemicals companies are releasing into their air, water, and land.

Cement Kiln Rule Proposal Possible in March

February 18, 2009–EPA proposes a new rule addressing emissions of toxic chemicals from kilns that are fueled by coal or other typical fuels, or allegedly nonhazardous waste. You'll find this, as well as other environmental story ideas, in the latest issue of TipSheet.