SEJ

SEJ - The Short List

Why the 2023 Farm Bill Will Actually Be an Environmental Story — and a Huge One

A massive farm bill soon to emerge for debate in Congress will have enormous implications for the environment beat, affecting natural resources, environmental health and climate, not to mention food production and public health. Backgrounder lays out some of the key issues expected to be taken up in the twice-a-decade measure and provides resources for ongoing coverage.

SEJ Awards for Reporting on the Environment

Enter SEJ's Awards for Reporting on the Environment, honoring the best environmental journalism in 10 categories, bringing recognition to the stories that are among the most important on the planet. $500 for first-place winners; $250 for second-place winners in all categories. Includes a Student Reporting category and a $10,000 cash prize for the Nina Mason Pulliam Award for Outstanding Environmental Reporting. First-place winners selected this year from SEJ's 10 awards categories will be automatically entered into the Nina Mason Pulliam Award. Deadline: May 1, 11:59 p.m. ET. (Late deadline May 15 with additional fee.)

“Take a Number:” SEJ’s Report on Growing FOIA Backlogs

March 15, 2023 — If justice delayed is justice denied, can the same be said of information? The Freedom of Information Act requires federal agencies to respond to requests for documents within 20 business days, barring “unusual circumstances.” But an SEJ review finds that key federal environmental agencies are taking months and even years to respond to records requests.

#SEJ2023 Annual Conference, Boise, Idaho, April 19-23

SEJ's 32nd Annual Conference in Boise, Idaho takes place April 19-23, 2023, hosted by Boise State University. Check out the draft agenda, sponsor/exhibit/advertise, book your hotel room (some hotels are sold out already!) and register now to get your choice of workshops and tours — they're filling fast! Keep up to date: sign up for conference info. See the #SEJ2023 Diversity Travel Fellows!

SEJ Publication Highlights

Coming Your Way by Rail Today — A Hazmat Rogues’ Gallery

03/22/2023 – Environmental reporters can prepare for possible rail accidents involving hazardous materials — like the one that hit East Palestine, Ohio — by having a keener understanding of what hazmat may be regularly carried through their communities. The latest Reporter’s Toolbox guides you to helpful lists of dangerous substances while offering a rundown of nearly a dozen-and-a-half of the worst offenders and their risks.

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What Will It Take for Geothermal To Heat Up the Renewable Energy Sector?

03/15/2023 – Geothermal has long been hyped as the next big thing in renewable energy, but its breakthrough moment hasn’t happened yet. Barriers to expansion include the elusiveness of sites offering the magic trio of heat, water and permeability and concern for unique ecosystems. Contributor Jessica McKenzie on geothermal energy’s possibilities and challenges and the government funding that may finally fire it up.

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Tracing Humanity’s Longtime Urge To Manage Moving Water

03/15/2023 – When humans began to put down roots, we also started to forge what Giulio Boccaletti calls a “social contract” with water. In his new book, “Water: A Biography,” the London-based scientist explores that relationship through a long historical lens. BookShelf contributor Gary Wilson reviews the volume and finds that political ambitions and economic development are central to the story.

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"Don't confuse entertainment with news, fact with fiction, reporting with advocacy or media with journalism."

— Lee Hills

EJToday: Headlines

"Tornado Tears Across Mississippi, More Than Two Dozen Dead"

Reuters, 03/27/2023
Ohio Bill Would Require Teaching Of ‘Both Sides’ On Climate Change

Midwest Energy News, 03/27/2023
"Much Of West Coast Faces Ban To Fish Salmon Amid Low Stocks"

AP, 03/27/2023
"Canada Pledges Great Lakes Funding After Trudeau-Biden Talks"

AP, 03/27/2023
Scientists Uncover Startling Amounts of DDT Along Seafloor Off LA Coast

LA Times, 03/27/2023
"House Slated To Take Up Major Energy Package Next Week"

The Hill, 03/27/2023
"Paraquat, the Deadliest Chemical in US Agriculture, Goes on Trial"

Civil Eats, 03/27/2023
Group Says Texas Fails To Hold Polluters Accountable For Unexpected Emissions

Texas Tribune, 03/27/2023
"In Brazil's Amazon, Carbon Credit Project Halted Over Land Dispute"

Thomson Reuters Fdn., 03/27/2023
Worry And Suspicion Reign As Once-Dry Tulare Lake Drowns Calif. Farmland

LA Times, 03/27/2023

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SEJ's mission is to strengthen coverage of environment, energy, health and climate news, by supporting the journalists who report that news. The benefits of joining include: access to grants for environmental reporting; mentoring by experienced journalists; and members-only e-mailing lists for sharing professional tips, news, and information. SEJ members meet and learn face-to-face from fellow members, other media professionals and topic experts, at our annual conference and volunteer-organized regional gatherings.