Reporting on Terrorism: Resources for Journalists

In the wake of the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001, terrorism is likely to continue to impact all beats, including the environment beat. These resources might be useful for current and future reporting of the environmental implications of terrorism and war:

• Sept. 13, 2001 statement about EPA's emergency response efforts.
• EPA's Chemical Emergency Preparedness and Prevention Office has a wealth of information about EPA's role in counterterrorism efforts. This site includes a number of studies, conference transcripts, national security directives, and copies of The Beacon, the National Emergency Preparedness newsletter.
• EPA Environmental Response Team (ERT) site includes the Environmental Response Center, an info clearinghouse supporting ERT, withmedia resources.
• Natl. Academies Press, terrorism and security collection offers reports examining various anti-terrorism measures, including how the civilian medical community can prepare to respond to chemical or biological threats.
• Investigative Reporters and Editors offers databases, web links, helpful tipsheets and story ideas concerning airline safety, terrorism and related issues.
• The Centers for Disease Control has published several reports about terrorism and chemical plants. (Note that several key reports that examined specific risks at specific sites have not been made public).
• Poynter Institute offers journalists daily updated resources for responsible reporting on terrorism and war, including on-deadline ethics consulting.