House Passes Bill To Open Up Federal Advisory Committees

July 3, 2008–The House passed a bill that would do more to ensure open records and meetings of federal advisory committees.

Justice Settles Hatfill Case, Locy Jail Threat Still Pends

July 3, 2008–With the Hatfil anthrax case settled, why is a court still threatening reporter Toni Locy with jail and fines for refusing to reveal the identity of confidential sources?

Press Releases Could Get Security Stamp From White House

July 3, 2008–Here's an embargo that a federal employee could face charges for breaking.

House Probes OMB Suppression of Chemical Risk Assessments

June 18, 2008–The House Science Committee is investigating charges that a White House political arm with no scientific expertise is suppressing EPA information about the toxic risks of commercial products.

Journalist Sues AG Department Over Feedlot 'Phone Book' Secrecy

June 18, 2008–A freelance journalist is challenging in court the US Department of Agriculture's efforts to keep secret its data on who owns the feedlots Americans can see and smell, but whose pollution the food industry does not want USDA to regulate.

McClellan Misled on Climate Science Censorship: Watchdog

June 18, 2008–Need another reason not to go through the "press office?" Try reading the transcript from the White House briefing of June 8, 2005.

Univ. of California Begins Withholding Details on Animal Research

June 18, 2008–The University of California "has begun withholding public records that detail how animal research is done.

EPA Head Johnson Won't Disclose White House Contacts

May 21, 2008–EPA Administrator Steven Johnson steadfastly refused to disclose to the House Oversight Committee this week almost any documents or information about his contacts with the White House. His repeated refusal to do so may set up a legislative-executive confrontation involving subpoenas, claims of executive privilege, and contempt of Congress findings.

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.

TOOLBOX: Scanning Online For Nuclear, Chemical, Wildlife, and Other Incidents

May 21, 2008–In the old days, the newsroom at most local dailies had a police scanner squawking like a nervous parrot in the background, to get the jump in case something big happened. To get environmental news today, you need other tools.