Congress Renews Efforts To Reform 19th Century Mining Law

July 22, 2009–Critics of the US General Mining Act of 1872 are hopeful that the law, which was crafted at a time when the priority was encouraging mining in a largely unsettled West, will finally be revamped.

Dole Sues "Bananas!" Film-Maker For Defamation

July 15, 2009–Showing of the film, depicting purported harm and claims of sterility by Nicaraguan plantation workers, went ahead at the Los Angeles Film Festival, even though an April 2009 Superior Court ruled that those claims were fraudulent.

In B.C., Freedom of Information May Not Be Free

July 15, 2009–"Crown copyright" may be emerging in British Columbia as a way for a government claiming openness to subvert freedom-of-information law.

SEC Poised To Mandate Climate Risk Disclosure by Firms

July 15, 2009–Federal regulators may require corporations to assess and reveal how the effects of climate change may impact their financial health.

High Court To Rule on Whether "Animal Cruelty" Is Exempt From 1st Amendment

July 1, 2009–This case may make it illegal for journalists to cover animal cruelty cases like the Michael Vicks dogfighting prosecution — or even to shoot investigative video of out-of-season fishing.

Rockefeller Introduces Bill To Outlaw Bayer Chem-Secrecy Ruse

July 1, 2009–Rockefeller's bill keeps FOIA exemptions for real security information, but forbids using the "sensitive security information" stamp.

Beach Nourishment: Supreme Court To Decide Who Owns the New Sand

June 24, 2009–When governments or communities pay to replenish beaches along privately owned beachfront property — or create new beaches by trucking in sand — what does that mean for the landowners' waterfront rights and property value?

Billions at Stake with Climate Change Legislation

May 27, 2009–The climate bill in Congress will impact hundreds of companies – some big in your area. Many are spending big bucks on lobbying. Here's how to follow the money.

Feds Boost Lead-Reduction Effort in Houses

May 27, 2009–About $100 million in funding is earmarked for 53 projects in 20 states and the District of Columbia by the US Dept. of Housing and Urban Development.

Cash for Clunkers Legislation Rolls Closer

April 29, 2009–Two competing bills before Congress would pay people to scrap old, inefficient vehicles. But some say the proposed legislation is not as green as it looks and other factors need to be taken into consideration.