The SEJ WatchDog Alert

The WatchDog Alert (formerly WatchDog TipSheet from 2008-2019) was a regular source of story ideas, articles, updates, events and other information with a focus on freedom-of-information issues of concern to environmental journalists in both the United States and Canada.

WatchDog was compiled, edited and written by Joseph A. Davis, who directs the WatchDog Project, an activity of SEJ's Freedom of Information Task Force that reports on secrecy trends and supports reporters' efforts to make better use of FOIA.

Topics on the Beat:

Journalism & Media

Public

Latest WatchDog Alert Items

October 17, 2017

SEJ Objects Over EPA Response to AP Story; plus, Suits & Rulings Involving Interior, EPA, NOAA

The SEJ has written the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to object to its criticism of an Associated Press story about Superfund sites following Hurricane Harvey floods. That, plus a judge rules against EPA for withholding records on the pesticide Enlist Duo, and more, in this month's WatchDog.

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September 12, 2017

EPA Press Office Attacks Journalists à la Trump

The Trump Administration's EPA Press Office appears to have launched a personal attack on journalists for unfavorable coverage. WatchDog reports what happened when the Associated Press looked into possible pollution at Houston Superfund sites flooded by Hurricane Harvey.

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July 25, 2017

Court Strikes Down “Ag-Gag” Law; plus a Journalist’s Legal Guide; State Shield for Climate Research and More

A federal court has ruled unconstitutional a Utah law that made undercover filming of livestock operations illegal. What's it mean for similar laws elsewhere? The latest WatchDog has the story, plus news on protecting whistleblowers, a digital journalist's legal guide, shielding of climate info and leaked government reports.

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June 27, 2017

Opening Pruitt’s Calendar and Saving EPA Climate Info; plus, DAPL FOIA Denied and Hoopla over Senate Hallway Interviews

Unlike his predecessors, new EPA head Scott Pruitt isn't publishing his calendar. Pushback from enviros, plus, EPA's scrubbed climate info starts reappearing on city websites around the country. That and news on a Dakota Access Pipeline FOIA and on reporters fighting for Capitol Hill access in this month's WatchDog.

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May 30, 2017

Feds Scrub Climate Info; plus Libel Suit, Spill Catcher, Surveillance & Water Data

As some warned, federal environmental agencies have begun to purge web info on topics like climate change. WatchDog TipSheet has that story, plus items about an unusual libel lawsuit, a news outfit using satellite for groundtruthing, a new source of online water data, how journalists can protect against surveillance and more.

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May 16, 2017

Working with Leaks and Whistleblowers, Part Two

In the second of a two-part WatchDog TipSheet on the relationship between journalists and whistleblowers, we take a closer look at how to apply basic security measures, the importance of obtaining documents and understanding the legal status of leaked information. And in case you missed it, Part One of the series.

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May 9, 2017

Working with Leaks and Whistleblowers, Part One

In the first of a two-part WatchDog TipSheet, we explore the relationship between journalist and anonymous leaker. How to find whistleblowers, build their trust and establish groundrules that work for you. Also, when not to rely on anonymous leaks. Next week: Security, documentation and the law around leaks.

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April 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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March 14, 2017

How To File a FOIA Request

As SEJournal's part during Sunshine Week, we've put together a step-by-step for filing your own Freedom of Information Act requests. Find out about best practices for waiving fees, expediting requests, pushing back on exemptions, appealing FOIA denials and using state open-records laws. [Image: © Clipart.com]

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Sunshine Events, Standing Rock, FERC and Pruitt

It's Sunshine Week, and open government events are scheduled around the United States. This month's WatchDog TipSheet has a rundown, plus news on SEJ concerns over restrictions to press access at FERC meetings, on a 7,564-page FOIA email dump on EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt and more.

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The SEJ WatchDog Alert

Latest WatchDog Alert Items

October 17, 2017

SEJ Objects Over EPA Response to AP Story; plus, Suits & Rulings Involving Interior, EPA, NOAA

September 12, 2017

EPA Press Office Attacks Journalists à la Trump

July 25, 2017

Court Strikes Down “Ag-Gag” Law; plus a Journalist’s Legal Guide; State Shield for Climate Research and More

June 27, 2017

Opening Pruitt’s Calendar and Saving EPA Climate Info; plus, DAPL FOIA Denied and Hoopla over Senate Hallway Interviews

May 30, 2017

Feds Scrub Climate Info; plus Libel Suit, Spill Catcher, Surveillance & Water Data

May 16, 2017

Working with Leaks and Whistleblowers, Part Two

May 9, 2017

Working with Leaks and Whistleblowers, Part One

April 11, 2017

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

March 14, 2017

How To File a FOIA Request

Sunshine Events, Standing Rock, FERC and Pruitt

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