PROTECTING ACCESS TO ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION

RTK Spotlight

Is Anhydrous Ammonia a Risk to Your Community? (Center for Effective Government)

Anhydrous ammonia and ammonium nitrate are the two substances that have been investigated as possible causes of the April 17 explosion of the West Fertilizer Company plant in Texas. Though experts now believe the explosion was due to the ammonium nitrate, the facility did have two 12,000-gallon tanks of anhydrous ammonia, which could have exacerbated the tragedy in Texas had they leaked or exploded.

(08 May 2013)

Texas Fertilizer Plant Explosion Raises Important Questions about Risks Industrial Facilities Pose (Center for Effective Government)

On April 17, there was a massive explosion at a fertilizer plant in central Texas, which killed at least 15 people and injured more than 200. Though investigators are still trying to determine the exact cause of the incident, the West Fertilizer Company's explosion raises serious questions about managing the risks that facilities can pose to local communities.

(23 Apr 2013)

Oil and Gas Production a Major Source of Greenhouse Gas Emissions, EPA Data Reveals (Center for Effective Government)

On Feb. 5, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released new data indicating that in 2011, the oil and natural gas sector was the second-highest contributor of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide. A method of natural gas drilling, known as hydraulic fracturing or fracking, is a major component of this industry. Given this data and its stated commitment to addressing climate change, the Obama administration will have to reconsider its strong support of natural gas production.
 

(12 Feb 2013)

Amount of Toxics Released in the U.S. Increased for the Second Year in 2011 (Center for Effective Government)

Total releases of toxic chemicals in the U.S. increased for the second year in a row according to Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) data reported to and analyzed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The TRI program, established as a part of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) of 1986, requires the EPA to make information on the release and transfer of toxic chemicals (above a certain threshold) available to the public in order to provide Americans with a better understanding about toxic pollution in their communities.

(29 Jan 2013)

Nuclear, Petroleum and Toxic Producing Facilities in Counties Hardest Hit by Sandy (OMB Watch)

 
In Hurricane Sandy's aftermath, government agencies have acted quickly to save lives and restore power and other basic essentials for those impacted by the storm. As recovery continues, federal and state agencies will be addressing another growing problem: the noxious materials such as oil, toxic chemicals, and raw sewage that the storm has released into waterways. The health of residents and first responders will depend on knowing what's around them so they can take proper precautions and mitigate risks.

(09 Nov 2012)

Petition Seeks Information on Toxic Fracking Emissions (OMB Watch)

On Oct. 24, OMB Watch and 16 local, regional, and national organizations filed a petitionunder the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI), calling on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to require the oil and gas industry, including companies engaged in fracking to report their toxic emissions. Such reporting would provide EPA with more information on the identity, use, and quantity of chemicals used by the oil and gas industry and would help the agency evaluate their health and environmental risks.

(25 Oct 2012)

State Disclosure Policies, Oversight of Natural Gas Fracking Are Inadequate Protection for Water Supplies, Public Safety, New Report Finds (OMB Watch)

In a new report issued on July 9, OMB Watch finds that state oversight laws requiring disclosure of the chemicals used in natural gas fracking are in need of an overhaul. Disclosure of the chemicals used in hydraulic fracturing, or "fracking," is spotty and incomplete, and essential safeguards are missing.

(11 Jul 2012)

Getting the Truth about Safe Drinking Water (OMB Watch)

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is reviewing the Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) rule, a policy mandating that public water systems provide annual reports to consumers on the quality of local drinking water. The resulting reports have been criticized for being overly technical, complex, and difficult for the general public to understand or act upon.

(06 Apr 2012)

EPA Makes Greenhouse Gas Data Publically Available for the First Time (EPA)

For the first time, comprehensive greenhouse gas (GHG) data reported directly from large facilities and suppliers across the country are now easily accessible to the public through EPA’s GHG Reporting Program. The 2010 GHG data released today include public information from facilities in nine industry groups that directly emit large quantities of GHGs, as well as suppliers of certain fossil fuels.

(31 Jan 2012)

TRI Industry Sectors Expansion (EPA)

EPA invites public insight on a variety of topics related to EPA plans to potentially expand the scope of sectors covered by the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) Program. Learn more

(16 Nov 2011)

Senate Passes Bill to Improve Pipeline Safety and Increase Public Access to Information (OMB Watch)

On Oct. 17, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed a bill to strengthen safety standards and increase public availability of inspection results and enforcement actions related to the nation’s 2.3 million miles of pipelines. The legislation was sparked by a series of deadly explosions in 2010 and 2011 that drew scrutiny to the safety of gas and oil pipelines.

(16 Nov 2011)

EPA launches electronic GHG reporting tool (EPA)

Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is launching a new tool to allow 28 industrial sectors to submit their 2010 greenhouse gas (GHG) pollution data electronically. Prior to being finalized, more than1,000 stakeholders, including industry associations, states and NGOs tested the electronic GHG Reporting Tool (e-GGRT) to ensure clarity and user-friendliness.

(01 Sep 2011)

EPA Publishes Rule to Improve Reporting of Chemical Information (EPA)

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is increasing the type and amount of information it collects on commercial chemicals from chemical manufacturers, allowing the Agency to better identify and manage potential risks to Americans’ health and the environment. The improved rule, known as the chemical data reporting Rule (CDR), also requires that companies submit the information electronically to EPA, rather than on paper, and limits confidentiality claims by companies. The changes are part of EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson’s commitment to strengthen the agency’s chemical management program and increase the transparency of critical information on chemicals.

(18 Aug 2011)

EPA Proposes New Expansions to the Toxics Release Inventory Program (OMB Watch)

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently announced its plans to expand the industry sectors required to report to the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) program and to require electronic reporting for all TRI data. These steps are part of EPA's ongoing efforts to improve and reinvigorate the TRI program.

(18 Jul 2011)

Congress Seeks to Reveal Toxic Drilling Chemicals (OMB Watch)

Congressional Democrats have reintroduced legislation that would disclose the hazardous chemicals used in drilling for natural gas. Cases of potential water contamination have been increasing as the nation experiences a boom in gas drilling. Secrecy surrounding the identities of the chemicals, many of which are known to be hazardous, has hampered efforts to protect public and environmental health.

(25 Mar 2011)

EPA Proposes Expanding Drinking Water Monitoring (U.S. EPA)

The EPA is proposing adding 30 currently unregulated contaminants for monitoring in drinking water systems, and submitting this proposal for public comment. EPA plans to test for several hormones in drinking water supplies, along with metals, VOCs, perfluorinated compounds, and other substances. Under the Safe Drinking Water Act, EPA must keep drinking water standards up-to-date with emerging science and identify up to 30 unregulated contaminants for monitoring every five years. EPA is requesting public comment on the proposed list of 30 contaminants until May 2, 2011.

(09 Mar 2011)

What Are Your Thoughts on EPA’s Plan to Review Existing Regulations? (U.S. EPA)

A new question of the month has been posted on EPA's Discussion Forum: What are your thoughts on EPA’s plan to review our existing regulations?

(28 Feb 2011)

At Long Last: EPA Releases Pesticide Use Statistics (Pesticide Action Network)

The EPA has released its statistics on pesticide use nationwide, the first such data release since the Bush administration blocked publication in 2001. Click here to learn about trends and how much and what types of pesticides are in use in the US.

(25 Feb 2011)

EPA Expands TRI Progam (OMB Watch)

For the first time since 1999, the EPA has added chemicals to the list of toxic substances that must be reported to the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI). The TRI program tracks toxic pollution from thousands of facilities nationwide. The move is an overdue step in the right direction for this crucial right-to-know program and represents a welcome break from the previous administration's attempts to weaken TRI.

(03 Dec 2010)

EPA Plans for Greater Openness in Coming Years (OMB Watch)

The EPA will incorporate greater transparency, accountability, and community engagement throughout its operations over the next five years, according to the agency's recently released Fiscal Year (FY) 2011-2015 Strategic Plan. The new strategic plan is the agency's first developed under the Obama administration, which has made increasing government openness a high priority.

(21 Oct 2010)