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.

FDA Knew About Mercury in Corn Syrup — And Kept Silent

January 28, 2009–In spite of one of its own scientists co-authoring a 2005 study finding toxic mercury in high fructose corn syrup, the Food and Drug Administration gave a green light to the corn industry's campaign advertising corn syrup as "natural."

Perchlorates Offer Early Test of EPA Openness

January 28, 2009–Incoming EPA administrator Lisa Jackson faces an immediate test on perchlorate secrecy, as the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia rejects EPA's argument for FOIA exemption. Will EPA and the Justice Department appeal, even though Obama urges agency openness?

Concern Resurfaces for Drinking Water and Food Contaminant

January 21, 2009–In one of many last-minute actions, the Bush administration delayed a decision on a drinking water standard for the contaminant perchlorate (used in rocket fuel, explosives, fireworks, and many other industrial products, and also occurs naturally), but issued a temporary advisory recommendation. This has immediate implications for at least 31 large US utilities, and perhaps hundreds more.

Review: Diagnosis: Mercury, Money, Politics & Poison

January 15, 2009–Written by Jane Hightower; reviewed by Jennifer Weeks.

Review: Poisoned Profits: The Toxic Assault on Our Children

January 15, 2009–Written by Alice and Philip Shabecoff; reviewed by Kathleen Regan.

Science Survey: Epigenetics...Understanding Chemicals' Newly Recognized Future Effects

January 15, 2009–New research shows epigenetic markers can be affected by food, pharmaceuticals and other chemicals, causing problems for generations not yet conceived.

Coal Ash Stories Untold in Many Communities

January 7, 2009–The December 2008 coal-ash spill at a Tennessee power plant has been making headlines for two weeks — but few journalists realize there are coal-ash stories to be unearthed in many communities. Here are some clues for finding them.