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.

Smithsonian Adopts FOIA-Like Policies

November 20, 2008–The Smithsonian Institution's Board of Regents held its first public meeting in 162 years November 17, 2008. This marks a move away from existing policies that have made the institution's meetings and records less open to public scrutiny than other federal entities.

TOOLBOX: Foreign Agents Database and More

October 22, 2008–This database is useful for environmental and energy reporters looking for mischief perpetrated by government officials and the industries who influence them with money.

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.

November 2008 Elections Include Many Environmental Measures

October 1, 2008–In addition to casting their vote for president on Nov. 4, 2008, many people will be voting on environmental ballot measures of one type or another. At the state level, there are several dozen ballot measures related to issues such as agriculture, energy, or natural resources.

Farm Bill Launches Sweeping New Secrecy Initiative

May 21, 2008–New language added to the 2007/08 Farm Bill by conferees at the 11th hour could create a sweeping new secrecy mandate that would prohibit the Agriculture Department from disclosing almost any information about individual US farm operations.

League of Conservation Voters Releases Annual "Scorecard"

March 5, 2008–Scorecard reports environmental records of US Representatives and Senators

Navy Publishes Draft EIS for Sonar

March 5, 2008–The US Navy seeks comments on its proposed rules for using sonar for its Atlantic Fleet training exercises