March 30 Climate Summit Previews Coming Battles

March 4, 2009–At the request of Congress, the National Academy of Sciences is hosting the two-day "America's Climate Choices" in Washington, DC.

"Show Us The Data"

February 25, 2009–A new online project by two longstanding open-government groups allows people and groups to vote for the government information they would most like disclosed.

Environment Canada Gags Scientists At Conference

February 25, 2009–SEJ member Janet Pelley writes about her experience with EC scientists, policy and a press 'minder' at the recent Central Canadian Symposium on Water Quality Research.

FOIA Requests in 120-Day Limbo — Or Are They?

February 25, 2009–In January 2009, President Obama reversed Bush administration policy and ordered most federal agencies to err on the side of disclosure when responding to FOIA requests. Why, then, are a number of agencies still operating under the old policies?

Obscure Farm Bill Provision Blacks Out Agricultural Data

February 25, 2009–The USDA is interpreting a provision in the 2008 Farm Bill so broadly that it may amount to a FOIA exemption for most information about individual agricultural operations.

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.

262 Groups Urge Congress To Protect Whistleblowers

February 11, 2009–A coalition of 262 citizen groups from many walks of life urge the new Congress to pass legislation ending the widespread practice of government retaliation against federal employees who reveal government waste, fraud, and abuse.

Are You Ready for Sunshine Week? — March 15-21

January 28, 2009–News media across the country will again be undertaking open-government projects in 2009. The Sunshine Week website offers you ideas on stories you could dig out of hard-to-see public records.

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?

Whistleblower Bill Awaits Congressional Action

January 28, 2009–An amendment adding whistleblower protection to the economic stimulus bill before the House will be voted on soon.