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.

Report Card Shows No Slackening of Secrecy Trend

September 10, 2008–The fifth annual report card produced by OpenTheGovernment.org offers hard numbers from a range of indicators that Bush Administration secrecy continues.

EPA Doesn't Bother to Collect Chemical Safety Data From Companies

August 27, 2008–Neither EPA nor the American public know very much about the possible health effects of tens of thousands of chemicals used in commerce and consumer products every day.

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.

EPA, Union Ink Pact To Restore Closed Libraries — Even Chemical Risk Info

August 13, 2008–EPA and an employees union have signed an agreement on procedures for reopening agency libraries closed by the Bush administration.

Judge Rules City Can't Keep Ties With Utility Secret

August 13, 2008–Great Falls, Montana, wouldn't let its citizens know details of its contracts with a utility. But a judge stopped that.

Secret Study on Water Infrastructure Risks Now Available

August 13, 2008–A Congressional Research Service report on terrorism and security issues facing sewage treatment and drinking water plants, dams and reservoirs, and other water infrastructure is full of ideas that reporters could turn into local stories — if only they were allowed to see it.

TOOLBOX: Reginfo.gov Offers Beat Reporters a Powerful Mischief Detector

August 13, 2008–Reginfo.gov helps reporters track regulatory mischief — and deregulatory mischief too — government-wide.

USDA Raises Barriers to Disclosure of Predator Control Info

August 13, 2008–The Department of Agriculture has stopped reporting publicly how many animals it kills for farmers and ranchers in its predator control program.

EPA Gag Order Brings Call For Johnson Resignation (Part 2)

July 30, 2008–Some of "The Rules" laid down by the EPA press office, as experienced by SEJ members, include the following: