TOOLBOX: A Compilation of State Lawyer Licensing Databases

May 19, 2010–One tool to help tell shady lawyers from shiny is the recently updated, free, searchable online compilation at llrx.com.

Air Pollution: EPA Proposes Tougher Industrial Boiler Regs

May 12, 2010–The proposed air toxics standards cover emissions from three types of combustion sources and address emissions of mercury, cadmium, dioxin, furans, formaldehyde, hydrochloric acid, and other pollutants.

Supreme Court Tosses Overbroad Cruelty Video Law

April 21, 2010–SEJ and other journalism groups had urged the court to strike down the sweeping law that could criminalize ordinary journalistic investigations meant to expose and end animal cruelty.

Supreme Court Case Could Affect Many GE Foods

April 14, 2010–The case, Monsanto Co. v. Geertson Seed Farms, focuses on genetically engineered alfalfa. One of the concerns is that GE alfalfa can cross-contaminate, rendering organic alfalfa noncompliant with federal standards, and precluding export.

Federal Anti-SLAPP Bill Could Help Bloggers, Freelancers

April 7, 2010–A bill to protect journalists and citizens against "Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation" suits has been introduced in Congress but is unlikely to go far unless more members get behind it.

Maryland Legislature Threatens Law Clinic For Defending Chesapeake Bay

April 7, 2010–In the face of public outrage (and press coverage), the legislature partially backed down — but kept a requirement that the law clinic report to the legislature on whom it represented.

New Move Afoot To Let Taxpayers Read CRS Reports They Pay For

April 7, 2010–A proposed bill would give the public better access to information about members' personal financial information, travel and gift reports, funding earmarks, committee work and reports, recorded floor votes, lobbyist registration and disclosure, and political contributions.

Money Flows As Elections Loom

March 31, 2010–The newly upgraded and expanded MAPLight.org will help you make connections between lobbying and campaign contributions and the actions of members of the US House and Senate, including their votes on specific bills and issues.

EPA Releases HERO Risk Assessment Database

March 24, 2010–The Health and Environmental Research Online database compiles references to scientific studies that EPA uses in making regulatory decisions.

Senate Trio's Climate Bill Said To Hide Info on Fracking Poisons

March 24, 2010–A March 23, 2010, Greenwire article reports that the draft Kerry-Lieberman-Graham climate bill may include language to keep potentially toxic ingredients from gas drilling secret from the public whose health may be harmed by them.