SEJ Joins Amicus Brief on Dangerously Expanded FOIA Exemption

September 23, 2009–Several media organizations have joined the case of a Puget Sound resident denied information, under the "law enforcement" exemption to FOIA, that would identify the locations and potential blast ranges of explosive ordnance stored in the area.

Senate Dents Shield Law for Reporters

September 23, 2009–A de facto filibuster by several Republicans, plus quibbling by some Democrats, caused a long-awaited markup of bill S 448 to end with no action.

Tapping the "Fishbowl" — Is EPA Doing Some Things Right on FOI?

September 23, 2009–OMB Watch, a fierce FOI advocacy group, says EPA has been working hard to push hitherto restricted data out to the public, citing the earliest-ever release of TRI data, monitoring data on atrazine in water, and more.

Could Smart Meters Allow Privacy Invasion?

September 9, 2009–The Philadelphia Inquirer explores the implications of an electric meter that knows when you are sleeping, when you are awake, and a lot more besides.

Did EPA Hide Atrazine Risks?

September 9, 2009–The Huffington Post Investigative Fund uncovers EPA's failure to warn people in at least four states about unsafe levels of the weedkiller atrazine in their wellwater.

EPA Releases All Responses to Coal Ash Survey

September 9, 2009–The data, from hundreds of facilities in 35 states, provide reporters the raw material for hundreds of local stories.

Government Clinical Trials Database Is Missing Data

September 9, 2009–The Sunlight Foundation's Real Time Investigations blog explains the problems with a registry containing information on more than 78,000 clinical trials.

Law Allows Astroturf Roots Cover-Up

September 9, 2009–Current law has no disclosure requirements for fake grass-roots lobbying — such as that of a coal industry campaign to stop climate legislation which sent forged letters to members of Congress, pretending to be from minority and community organizations.

CDC Launches National Public Health Tracking Program

August 26, 2009–This data tool shows promise, but it currently tracks only non-infectious conditions and not others tied to environmental causes, such as neurological, endocrine, and reproductive disorders.

Data Deficit Hampers Consumer Product Safety Commission

August 26, 2009–A new GAO report says Customs has refused to give the CPSC shipping-manifest information it has been requesting for years. The manifests are a way to track products imported into the U.S. which may have been recalled due to toxicity and/or safety issues.