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

August 24, 2011

SEJ Comments On NOAA Science Policy; Seeks More Openness

In formal comments, SEJ stated that the section of NOAA guidance policy requiring advance public affairs approval of media interviews — and minders sitting in on those interviews — thwarts open communication between scientists and reporters, which is "unacceptable in a free society."

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NASA Takes a Pass on Scientific Integrity Policy Improvement

An Aug. 5, 2011, NASA memo says the agency's existing policies are so good they don't need improving — yet the policies do not offer any clear guarantee that reporters can talk to NASA scientists without permission and supervision from the public affairs office.

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EPA Begins Collecting Greenhouse Gas Emissions Data

The system, proposed during the first months of the Obama administration, was delayed when it faced heavy opposition from industry groups and Republicans. In response, EPA reduced the number of businesses that need to report their emissions.

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New Data Site Maps "Dirty Energy Money"

Oil Change International invites you to look up campaign donations from energy companies to members of Congress with data sourced from the Center for Responsive Politics and the Federal Elections Commission.

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August 10, 2011

EPA Drafts Science Policy Codifying Minders, PIO Permissions for Media Interviews

The draft "Scientific Integrity Policy" marks the first time that the EPA's previously unwritten minders-and-permissions policy for press interviews has been reduced to a publicly disclosed written policy applying to the entire agency. The Society of Environmental Journalists has previously opposed these restrictions and is likely to submit formal comments on this draft policy as well.

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Interior Probe of Polar Bear Scientist Baffles, Looks Political

Five years after writing about polar bears drowning, apparently from lack of sea ice, a wildlife biologist with the U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement was suspended without a reason. Later he was told it was due to charges of "scientific misconduct" from a party or parties not identified.

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GAO: US Water Drinkers in Dark on Violations, Contaminants

While EPA oversees the Safe Drinking Water Act programs, much of the daily responsibility is delegated to state agencies. The non-partisan Government Accountability Office says the states are under-reporting violations and contamination to EPA. Moreover, EPA has fallen behind in setting standards for known contaminants that may cause health problems.

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July 13, 2011

Defiant Murdoch E-Tab To Judge: Nuts To Pulling BP Deposition

U.S. Magistrate Judge Sally Shushan of the Eastern District of Louisiana ordered iPad-only publication The Daily to remove the deposition, by former BP CEO Tony Hayward in the Gulf oil spill lawsuit, because it had not been published with her permission.

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Press Fotogs Sue DHS Over Laptop, Camera Seizures

A U.S. District judge heard oral arguments July 8, 2011 on a DHS motion to dismiss the case, brought by the National Press Photographers Association, the American Civil Liberties Union and the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

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EPA Proposes Expanding Scope of TRI to Additional Industries

The new industries would be Iron Ore Mining, Phosphate Mining, Municipal Waste Incineration, Industrial Dry Cleaning, Petroleum Bulk Storage, and Steam-Only Production from Fossil Fuels.

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The SEJ WatchDog Alert

Latest WatchDog Alert Items

August 24, 2011

SEJ Comments On NOAA Science Policy; Seeks More Openness

NASA Takes a Pass on Scientific Integrity Policy Improvement

EPA Begins Collecting Greenhouse Gas Emissions Data

New Data Site Maps "Dirty Energy Money"

August 10, 2011

EPA Drafts Science Policy Codifying Minders, PIO Permissions for Media Interviews

Interior Probe of Polar Bear Scientist Baffles, Looks Political

GAO: US Water Drinkers in Dark on Violations, Contaminants

July 13, 2011

Defiant Murdoch E-Tab To Judge: Nuts To Pulling BP Deposition

Press Fotogs Sue DHS Over Laptop, Camera Seizures

EPA Proposes Expanding Scope of TRI to Additional Industries

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