Coal Ash Data Waiting for Local Reporters

September 23, 2009–Use this roundup of sources to write a probing story about the ash, slag, and sludge from coal-burning electric utilities — which containins heavy metals that can pollute water, and even bury people's houses.

Coal and Water – Do They Mix?

September 16, 2009–Journalists around the US who cover water quality, as well as those who cover coal mining and/or Appalachia, will benefit from an analytical NYT series and databases, combined with a Sept. 11 EPA announcement about extended NPDES permit reviews.

EPA Releases Raw TRI Data Early

August 26, 2009–The rawness of the data, which will be analyzed and revised by EPA at a later date, means that, for now, reporters will need to do more of their own ground-truthing in order to use it.

GM Dropout Endangers Vehicle Mercury Switch Recycling Program

August 19, 2009–The Associated Press reports "GM says mercury pollution not its problem anymore," defaulting on its dues payments just as the US government's cash-for-clunkers program is causing the retirement of many older vehicles.

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.

EPA To Announce Final Risk Assessment for SO2

July 22, 2009–In response to lawsuits, EPA was scheduled to release its proposed rule for a new primary health-based standard by July 30, 2009. That has been postponed once again, and the new court-ordered date for release of the proposed rule is Nov. 16, 2009, with a final rule due by June 2, 2010.

State, Local Agencies Join Push To Clean Up Air Pollution at Ports

July 22, 2009–A variety of initiatives aimed at reducing shipping-related emissions are in the works.

EPA: Most US Residents Exposed to Excessive Air Pollution Risk

July 8, 2009–While it does have limitations, the updated National-Scale Air Toxics Assessment offers risk estimates for each of 180 substances, and three separate combined assessments.

Coal-Waste Impoundment Database Offers Journalists a Tool

July 1, 2009–A cooperative effort of federal and state agencies, coal companies, and environmental groups, the database lists coal-waste impoundments in West Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, Pennsylvania, and Ohio.

EPA To Announce Proposed NO2 Standard

June 24, 2009–After several years of preparatory work, EPA is expected to announce by June 26, 2009, its proposed primary standard for one of the six "criteria" air pollutants, nitrogen dioxide.