White House Opens Tax-Funded Research to Taxpayers

February 27, 2013–Such a move had been resisted for years by the few large companies that dominate the scientific publishing industry. Some open-access groups hailed the memo as a breakthrough that would really allow taxpayers to read the research they pay for. Still, the proof will be in the implementation.

Top Weather Service Official Fired for Talking to Press

February 13, 2013–According to the Washington Post, the National Weather Service is firing William Proenza, who once headed the National Hurricane Center, for revealing to the Post that looming budget cuts would harm forecasting effectiveness (something that can affect public safety and the profits of business).

Children's Health Report Released after Reporter Exposes OMB Blockade

January 30, 2013–Sunlight cures many ills. A month after watchdog Sheila Kaplan exposed a White House blackout of an EPA report on children's environmental health, the Obama administration uncorked it. Of course, the timing may have had something to do with the election as well; EPA announced its publication January 25, just a few days after the inauguration.

Analysis: Obama’s Second Term — Enviro Breakthrough or Train Wreck?

January 15, 2013–In this excerpt from the latest issue of SEJournal (Winter), Peter Dykstra's analysis helps environmental journalists sort through the convergence of money, politics, ideology and nature.

SEJournal Winter 2012-13, Vol. 22 No. 4

January 15, 2013–In this issue: Superstorm Sandy's hidden warning; analysis of pivotal enviro issues to watch; new frontiers in visual journalism; keeping up on chemical databases; members helping members: SEJ's mentoring program; media on the move; and book reviews.

The New New Deal

January 15, 2013–

Journalists Complain About PIO "Minders"

October 31, 2012–Gripes about PIO policies are not new. Now an article in the Society of Professional Journalists' Quill magazine takes the complaint to a higher level, arguing PIO restrictions are not aimed at access and accuracy, and urging journalists to resist the PIO requirements in their own work — and to work together nationally to elevate the PIO censorship issue.

Polar Bear Scientist Cleared; Interior Dept. Still Under Openness Cloud

October 3, 2012–Five years after wildlife biologist Charles Monnett's 2006 observations of dead polar bears, believed to have drowned because of disappearing Arctic ice, Interior started an investigation of Monnett's science. The findings — partially published September 28, 2012 — were confused and contained no findings of scientific misconduct.

The Carson Effect

September 15, 2012–In this excerpt from the latest issue of SEJournal (Summer/Fall), William Souder explains how Rachel Carson's seminal 1962 work Silent Spring shaped (and still shapes) modern environmentalism (from his new book, On a Farther Shore: The Life and Legacy of Rachel Carson).

Researchers, Health Groups Urge Congress Not To Black Out Carcinogens Report

September 5, 2012–More than 70 scientists from research and health groups wrote House and Senate Appropriations Committee leaders September 4, 2012, urging them not to cut funds for the biennial Report on Carcinogens, which showed that formaldehyde and styrene can cause cancer.