Senate Dents Shield Law for Reporters
A de facto filibuster by several Republicans, plus quibbling by some Democrats, caused a long-awaited markup of bill S 448 to end with no action.
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Government
Coal Ash Data Waiting for Local Reporters
Use this roundup of sources to write a probing story about the ash, slag, and sludge from coal-burning electric utilities — which containins heavy metals that can pollute water, and even bury people's houses.
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Tapping the "Fishbowl" — Is EPA Doing Some Things Right on FOI?
OMB Watch, a fierce FOI advocacy group, says EPA has been working hard to push hitherto restricted data out to the public, citing the earliest-ever release of TRI data, monitoring data on atrazine in water, and more.
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SEJ Joins Amicus Brief on Dangerously Expanded FOIA Exemption
Several media organizations have joined the case of a Puget Sound resident denied information, under the "law enforcement" exemption to FOIA, that would identify the locations and potential blast ranges of explosive ordnance stored in the area.
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EPA Expands Energy Conservation Push with Churches
The estimated 370,000 houses of worship in the US could reduce energy consumption as much as 30%, so EPA is offering incentives, resources, and tools as encouragement.
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New Findings Slow CO2 Sequestration Rule
EPA has been working on regulations designed to protect drinking water from impacts of underground carbon sequestration, but new data and concerns have spurred the agency to open a short new public comment period.
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Coal and Water – Do They Mix?
Journalists around the US who cover water quality, as well as those who cover coal mining and/or Appalachia, will benefit from an analytical NYT series and databases, combined with a Sept. 11 EPA announcement about extended NPDES permit reviews.
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"U.S. Ending Oil-Royalty Program After Scandal"
"The Interior Department announced on Wednesday that it was ending an oil and gas royalty program that ignited a scandal last year when it was disclosed that federal employees had engaged in corruption, drug use and sexual misconduct with oil industry officials."
Source: NYTimes, 09/17/2009
"Cass Sunstein Confirmed 57-40"
"Cass Sunstein, President Obama’s pick to head the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, was confirmed handily by the Senate just now by a vote of 57 ayes to 40 nays."
Source: Washington Independent, 09/11/2009
Could Smart Meters Allow Privacy Invasion?
The Philadelphia Inquirer explores the implications of an electric meter that knows when you are sleeping, when you are awake, and a lot more besides.
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