FOIA Friday Takes Hold on SEJ Listserve

February 13, 2008–The latest fad on SEJ's members-only listserve is "FOIA Friday."

National Response Center Changes Leak Report Policy

February 13, 2008–The National Response Center has changed its policy on releasing chemical accident reports, making it much harder for journalists to gather crucial information about hazardous materials spills on deadline.

NIEHS Director Schwartz Resigns

February 13, 2008–David Schwartz, the embattled director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), resigned the post Feb. 8, 2008

Now Environment Canada Muzzles Scientists, Too: Report

February 13, 2008–"Environment Canada has 'muzzled' its scientists around the country, ordering them to refer all media queries to Ottawa.

SEJ Opposes Defanging of FOIA Ombud Office

February 13, 2008–The Society of Environmental Journalists (SEJ) urged Congress to use its funding power to establish a new independent "ombudsman" office.

Groups Sue Interior For Hidden Evidence on Chukchi Lease Sale

January 30, 2008–Two conservation groups are suing the Interior Department to get hidden documents they say could show the sale would harm polar bears and other marine mammals.

House Panels Probe Charges That Science on FEMA Trailers Was Scrubbed

January 30, 2008–Two House subcommittees are investigating charges that federal agencies censored scientific information about the health risks posed by FEMA trailers to people living in them.

Katrina FOIA Delay Saga: "Expedited" Takes on New Meaning at FEMA

January 30, 2008–Suppose there were a catastrophe and you needed information fast. Would you call FEMA?

Leahy, Cornyn Vow to Fight Administration's FOIA Ombud Kidnap Plot

January 30, 2008–The idea was to set up an independent ombudsman's office to mediate time-consuming disputes over what documents the feds would release in response to Freedom of Information Act requests.

New CRS Reports Background FOIA Amendments, Classified Info

January 30, 2008–The nonpartisan Congressional Research Service has completed two reports useful to journalists.