Publication Items

When Old Ways of Reporting Are Still the Best [1]

Sometimes, the tried-and-true ways of reporting are still the best. In the latest Freelance Files column, our contributor shares three old-fashioned techniques for research and writing that, while they may seem less efficient, will actually get you doing your best work.

SEJ Publication Types:
Freelance Files [2]
Topics on the Beat:
Journalism & Media [3]
Visibility:
Public [4]
- Read more about When Old Ways of Reporting Are Still the Best [1]
Environment Is on the Ballot in Election 2016 [5]

While issues like climate change have gained little traction in the presidential race, environmental topics are playing a clearer role in some congressional contests, as well in statehouse and local elections. At the same time, a number of controversial ballot initiatives are tackling environmental topics ranging from plastic bag bans to solar energy. Get info and resources in our Election 2016 Issue Backgrounder.

SEJ Publication Types:
Backgrounders [6]
Topics on the Beat:
Climate Change [7]
Consumer [8]
Environmental Politics [9]
Government [10]
Health [11]
Laws & Regulations [12]
Natural Resources [13]
Policy [14]
Waste [15]
Region:
National (U.S.) [16]
Visibility:
Public [4]
- Read more about Environment Is on the Ballot in Election 2016 [5]
Following UN Morocco Climate Meeting from Home [17]

The Paris Agreement took effect Nov 4, followed by the start of the United Nations meeting on climate change this week in Marrakesh. Can't go in person, but still want to track the critical issues at stake? TipSheet offers a guide on how to report Marrakesh from home.

SEJ Publication Types:
TipSheet [18]
Topics on the Beat:
Climate Change [7]
Energy & Fuel [19]
Environmental Politics [9]
Government [10]
Journalism & Media [3]
Policy [14]
Region:
International [20]
Visibility:
Public [4]
- Read more about Following UN Morocco Climate Meeting from Home [17]
Symbols of a Transition Ahead for SEJ [21]

An era of transformation is upon SEJ, with new executive director, headquarters, partnerships, funding sources, publications and more on the way. Incoming President Bobby Magill outlines what's coming, and puts out a welcome mat for potential new members.

SEJ Publication Types:
SEJ Presidents Report [22]
Topics on the Beat:
Journalism & Media [3]
Region:
National (U.S.) [16]
International [20]
Visibility:
Public [4]
- Read more about Symbols of a Transition Ahead for SEJ [21]
Got Coal Ash? Southeast Database Helps Watchdog Power Plants [23]

Another database upgrade that will help environmental journalists is available from the group Southeast Coal Ash. This database site covers Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.

SEJ Publication Types:
WatchDog TipSheet [24]
Topics on the Beat:
Energy & Fuel [19]
Pollution [25]
Technology [26]
Region:
SE (AL AR FL GA KY LA MS NC PR SC TN) [27]
Visibility:
Public [4]
- Read more about Got Coal Ash? Southeast Database Helps Watchdog Power Plants [23]
EPA Beefs Up ECHO Database for Drinking Water Enforcement [28]

U.S. EPA's refinement of ECHO's search engine for drinking water violations should make it possible for journalists to ask much more sophisticated and complex questions — but the usual caveats apply.

SEJ Publication Types:
WatchDog TipSheet [24]
Topics on the Beat:
Technology [26]
Water & Oceans [29]
Visibility:
Public [4]
- Read more about EPA Beefs Up ECHO Database for Drinking Water Enforcement [28]
You Aren't Allowed To Know How Much of Your Coal Is Being Sold (Cheap?) [30]

The vast coal seams below federally owned lands in the West are a resource owned by the American people as a whole — and when rights to mine them are sold to coal companies, it is supposed to be on terms that are in the public interest. So you'd think public scrutiny via open information would be a given. The Interior Department says not, recently denying a FOIA request for this information. Image: © Clipart.com [31].

SEJ Publication Types:
WatchDog TipSheet [24]
Topics on the Beat:
Energy & Fuel [19]
Laws & Regulations [12]
Visibility:
Public [4]
- Read more about You Aren't Allowed To Know How Much of Your Coal Is Being Sold (Cheap?) [30]
SEJ Objects To Prosecution of Journalists Covering Pipeline Protests [32]

UPDATE: The Society of Environmental Journalists (SEJ) on Oct 19, 2016 wrote law enforcement officials at the state and federal levels, objecting to prosecution of journalists who have been covering protests against the Dakota Access Pipe Line and other pipelines. The prosecutor who charged Democracy Now's Amy Goodman has responded to SEJ's letter.

SEJ Publication Types:
WatchDog TipSheet [24]
Topics on the Beat:
Energy & Fuel [19]
Journalism & Media [3]
Laws & Regulations [12]
Visibility:
Public [4]
- Read more about SEJ Objects To Prosecution of Journalists Covering Pipeline Protests [32]
"There Is Still Time: To Look at the Big Picture...and Act" [33]

SEJ Publication Types:
BookShelf [34]
Topics on the Beat:
Climate Change [7]
Natural Resources [13]
People & Population [35]
Visibility:
Public [4]
- Read more about "There Is Still Time: To Look at the Big Picture...and Act" [33]
"Cloak and Jaguar: Following a Cat from Desert to Courtroom" [36]

SEJ Publication Types:
BookShelf [34]
Topics on the Beat:
Government [10]
Wildlife [37]
Visibility:
Public [4]
- Read more about "Cloak and Jaguar: Following a Cat from Desert to Courtroom" [36]

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