Policy & Regulation Outlook for 2009 (Part 1)

December 24, 2008–Environmental policy, legislation, and regulation are likely to be different under the Obama administration than the Bush administration. It's difficult to know yet what the priorities will be, or what shifts will occur. This is the first half of potential topics for journalists to keep an eye on.

Policy & Regulation Outlook for 2009 (Part 2)

December 24, 2008–Environmental policy, legislation, and regulation are likely to be different under the Obama administration than the Bush administration. It's difficult to know yet what the priorities will be, or what shifts will occur. This is the second half of potential topics for journalists to keep an eye on.

Energy Department Midnight Reg Seeks To Bind Obama To Keep Old Secrets

December 17, 2008–The Energy Department in December 2008 published an 11th-hour proposed amendment to the Bush administration's secrecy rules that shroud the policies that brought Americans Enron, California blackouts, and $4 gasoline.

Science Survey: A Question of Science in EPA Air Regulation Decisions

November 15, 2008–Scientists advising the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on air pollution issues are criticizing EPA higher-ups for ignoring their scientific counsel. Specifically, they are accusing the Bush Administration of excising science from the process the agency uses to determine how clean the air we breathe should be. The Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee (CASAC) challenges EPA administrator Stephen L. Johnson.

Bush Pushes Flurry of Last-Minute Regulations

November 12, 2008–As it leaves office, the Bush administration is rushing to complete regulations that will bind the Obama administration.

Wide Range of Environmental Issues Before Supreme Court

October 15, 2008–US Supreme Court to hear six cases with important environmental implications. Issues involved are: use of sonar in Naval training; logging in California; power plant operation; disposal of mining wastes; royalties paid to the Navajo Nation on coal leases; and liability under Superfund law.

Wild & Scenic Rivers Act Turns 40

October 1, 2008–On Oct. 2, the National Wild and Scenic Rivers Act turns 40. How are your local rivers faring? Here's a collection of ideas, sources, and resources for river-related stories.

New Smithsonian Head Pleads To Keep FOIA Exemption

September 10, 2008–The Smithsonian Institution, a federal agency with many environment-related research and public education activities, opposes a Congressional move that would subject it to the same open-records law that applies to other executive branch agencies.

Administration Threatens Veto of Shield Law

August 27, 2008–Top Bush Administration officials are signaling they will recommend veto of a bill to shield reporters from being compelled to disclose their confidential sources.

Is EPA's Get-Out-of-Jail-Free Program Working?

August 20, 2008–EPA and states may be cutting companies slack if they "audit" their own violations. Here's a database that will help you audit whether local polluters are abusing the program.