Journalism & Media

EPA Reverses Course on Open Data Shutdown

UPDATE (10:50 EDT, 4/24/17): In a reversal, the EPA website now says its Open Data Service will continue. "Donald Trump is to completely shut down one of the government's most important data services." "The Environmental Protection Agency's Open Data Web service – which stores information on climate change, life cycle assessment, health impact analysis and environmental justice – is to have its funding removed and will no longer be in operation, according to people working on the plan."

Source: Independent, 04/24/2017

Educators Decry Denier Group's Climate 'Propaganda' Sent to Teachers

"Teaching material sent by Heartland Institute to thousands of teachers denies climate science, aims to teach a 'debate.'"

"Science teachers and legislators are fighting back after a conservative advocacy organization mailed false information on climate science to thousands of school science teachers nationwide.

Source: InsideClimate News, 04/11/2017

Gag Order Keeps Oregon From Telling Public About Cancer-Causing Pollutant

"Oregon officials think they've found high levels of a cancer-causing chemical in the air near a Lebanon battery parts maker, but a judge won't let them say a word about it.

Linn County Circuit Court Judge Thomas A. McHill on Friday agreed to Entek International's request for what appears to be an unprecedented gag order against state environmental and health regulators. Entek would be "irreparably harmed" if the regulators told the public about the preliminary finding, McHill wrote.

Source: Portland Oregonian, 04/11/2017

Leaker’s Guide, Part Two — What’s Legal, What’s Not?

As journalists ramp up the cultivation of potential sources within government, WatchDog provides a guide to leaking and whistleblowing. What actions does the law cover? How are whistleblowers protected? What about reporter-source privilege and shield laws? Plus, is there a U.S. EPA policy on talking to media anyway?

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For Freelancers in Conflict Zones, Help Is out There

You're reporting from the field in a high-risk locale, with a shoestring budget and no back-office support — how do you stay safe? The latest Freelance Files offers some cautionary tales from a long-time SEJ member recently returned from overseas, with a detailed resource guide to help keep you and your data secure.

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Hazardous Sites Near You? There’s a Database for That!

The best public database of the risk management plans for many major hazardous sites has now been restored. The latest TipSheet has the backstory on government tracking of hazardous chemical facilities, an example of how the database was mined for some stellar reporting, and ideas for smart use of this powerful tool.

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April 24, 2017

DEADLINE: NPF "Understanding the Environmental Stakes" Fellowship

The National Press Foundation is offering all-expenses-paid fellowships for a four-day training program for journalists, Jun 18-21 in Washington, DC. Issues to be examined: how  proposed budget cuts and changes at the U.S. EPA and elsewhere could affect the environment;  water use out West; the latest scientific research on the environment; the outlook for clean energy and climate treaties; how to find and use the best data to underscore your reporting on the environment; and more. Apply by Apr 24.

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