All judges must be either current or retired news professionals or journalism educators, or have similar qualifications the Awards Committee considers appropriate. Judges must read and abide by the contest rules. Members of the SEJ Awards Committee, the SEJ governing board, SEJ staff and awards personnel may not serve as judges. Judges serve as volunteers.
"Researchers assembled a historical database of U.S. flood maps and home prices to estimate how much bad communication costs homebuyers." "At least 3.8 million U.S. homes lie in flood plains. Together, they may be overvalued by $34 billion."
"A coalition of 19 states is suing the Trump administration over its new diversion of $3.8 billion in defense funds to the border wall, arguing that the move is unconstitutional and ignores possible environmental impacts."
"Republican lawmakers under pressure to address the climate crisis are trying to move beyond denying the problem and start proposing solutions. But they still refuse to commit to what scientists say is necessary if the US is to rapidly cut back on burning fossil fuels."
"A new EPA report is fueling debate over whether auto manufacturers could meet the clean car standards established by former President Obama. Those rules are being rolled back by President Trump."
"The Trump administration frequently claims it ended the 'war on coal.' ... The numbers tell a different story."
"The EPA tweaked its proposed “secret science” rule on Tuesday, broadening its reach to cover not just rulemakings but also “influential” scientific information."
"The Trump administration is moving to allow railroads nationwide to ship liquefied natural gas as part of a push to increase energy exports — a practice that has been banned until now because of the uncertain hazards it presents."
"When Anthony Fauci, clad in a white lab coat, invited an “NBC Nightly News” correspondent into his offices this week and described the coronavirus as an “outbreak” that was reaching “likely pandemic proportions,” the immunologist was acting as he long has during public health crises: delivering a fact-based warning to the public."
"President Trump has tapped Nancy B. Beck, a former chemical industry executive, to lead the Consumer Product Safety Commission, an independent federal agency charged with protecting the public against dangers like toxic substances in products."
