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.

Obama Orders Rollback of Bush Secrecy on 1st Day

January 22, 2009–President Barack Obama signalled that open access to information will be a top priority for his administration, issuing two memos to all executive agencies and one executive order at a January 21, 2009, session open to reporters and cabinet members.

Concern Resurfaces for Drinking Water and Food Contaminant

January 21, 2009–In one of many last-minute actions, the Bush administration delayed a decision on a drinking water standard for the contaminant perchlorate (used in rocket fuel, explosives, fireworks, and many other industrial products, and also occurs naturally), but issued a temporary advisory recommendation. This has immediate implications for at least 31 large US utilities, and perhaps hundreds more.

House and Senate Leadership Begins To Shape Up

January 21, 2009–The heads of Obama administration Congressional committees and subcommittees will likely be in the spotlight in the coming months. This overview will help you get a feel for who these people are, or who will soon be chosen.

Oversight Report: Agency Inspectors General Often Ignored

January 21, 2009–A US House Oversight Committee report released in January 2009 found that federal agencies frequently ignore the findings and recommendations of their inspectors general.

A Federal Superfund Site Near You May Hold a Great Story

January 15, 2009–Want a chance to make a difference in your community? Think Superfund. Indeed, when the news media pays attention to toxic waste sites, a recent study has found that they are cleaned up quicker and better.

Inside Story: If Pollution Cleanup Sounds Too Good To Be True, Maybe It Is

January 15, 2009–Delving into complex Brownfield development projects produces multiple stories and big results for four reporters from the Bergen County Record who take on a two-year investigation.

Nation's Energy Future Holds Promise for E-Journalists

January 15, 2009–SEJ President's report

Review: Diagnosis: Mercury, Money, Politics & Poison

January 15, 2009–Written by Jane Hightower; reviewed by Jennifer Weeks.