FOIA Not Fixed Yet: Senate Panel

October 7, 2009–Senate Judiciary Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-VT) says Congress has to do more to fix the Freedom of Information Act — especially stemming the hundreds of special exemptions created by Congress itself.

Sen. Schumer Pushes Back Against WH Effort To Weaken Shield Law

October 7, 2009–A federal law protecting reporters who maintain the confidentiality of their sources is currently stalled in the Senate Judiciary Committee as Obama breaks campaign promise.

Supreme Court Hears Animal Video Case

October 7, 2009–Some justices skeptically questioned a 10-year-old law, intended to outlaw "crush videos," making it a criminal offense to possess or publish many depictions of cruelty to animals.

CA Set To Curb Energy-Guzzling TVs

September 30, 2009–Flat-screen TVs can be stunningly energy-inefficient. New California standards could shift manufacturing processes significantly.

SEJ Joins Amicus Brief on Dangerously Expanded FOIA Exemption

September 23, 2009–Several media organizations have joined the case of a Puget Sound resident denied information, under the "law enforcement" exemption to FOIA, that would identify the locations and potential blast ranges of explosive ordnance stored in the area.

Senate Dents Shield Law for Reporters

September 23, 2009–A de facto filibuster by several Republicans, plus quibbling by some Democrats, caused a long-awaited markup of bill S 448 to end with no action.

New Findings Slow CO2 Sequestration Rule

September 16, 2009–EPA has been working on regulations designed to protect drinking water from impacts of underground carbon sequestration, but new data and concerns have spurred the agency to open a short new public comment period.

Law Allows Astroturf Roots Cover-Up

September 9, 2009–Current law has no disclosure requirements for fake grass-roots lobbying — such as that of a coal industry campaign to stop climate legislation which sent forged letters to members of Congress, pretending to be from minority and community organizations.

EPA Rule Targets Aircraft Deicing Runoff

September 2, 2009–A proposed rule for control of fluid-contaminated runoff at primary commercial airports would reduce the substantial threats to drinking water, surface water, air quality, wildlife, plants, and soils at airports and the surrounding areas.

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.