Environment Canada Gags Scientists At Conference

February 25, 2009–SEJ member Janet Pelley writes about her experience with EC scientists, policy and a press 'minder' at the recent Central Canadian Symposium on Water Quality Research.

FOIA Requests in 120-Day Limbo — Or Are They?

February 25, 2009–In January 2009, President Obama reversed Bush administration policy and ordered most federal agencies to err on the side of disclosure when responding to FOIA requests. Why, then, are a number of agencies still operating under the old policies?

Obscure Farm Bill Provision Blacks Out Agricultural Data

February 25, 2009–The USDA is interpreting a provision in the 2008 Farm Bill so broadly that it may amount to a FOIA exemption for most information about individual agricultural operations.

Cement Kiln Rule Proposal Possible in March

February 18, 2009–EPA proposes a new rule addressing emissions of toxic chemicals from kilns that are fueled by coal or other typical fuels, or allegedly nonhazardous waste. You'll find this, as well as other environmental story ideas, in the latest issue of TipSheet.

262 Groups Urge Congress To Protect Whistleblowers

February 11, 2009–A coalition of 262 citizen groups from many walks of life urge the new Congress to pass legislation ending the widespread practice of government retaliation against federal employees who reveal government waste, fraud, and abuse.

Are You Ready for Sunshine Week? — March 15-21

January 28, 2009–News media across the country will again be undertaking open-government projects in 2009. The Sunshine Week website offers you ideas on stories you could dig out of hard-to-see public records.

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.

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.