Environmental Right to Know | Center for Effective Government

RTK NET Publishes 2005 Toxics Release Inventory Data

WASHINGTON, March 23, 2007—The Right-to-Know Network (RTK NET) published the 2005 Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) data on March 23, 2007, providing public access to important U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) data on the release and transfer of toxic chemicals in the United States. This is EPA's earliest release of the annual TRI data in the history of the program.

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Journalist Audit Underscores Lack of Transparency

An audit by journalist groups found that public access to Comprehensive Emergency Response Plans (CERP), as required by law, was inconsistent and unreliable around the country. Only 44 percent of the requests for the CERP were granted in full, whereas 20 percent were partially released and 36 percent were completely denied.

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EPA Looking at Labs

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has begun a review of its laboratory network that may result in significant closures, according to some early agency plans. In response to budget cuts, EPA intends to reduce costs at least 20 percent by 2011. According to EPA officials in a phone briefing on March 15, the review is to assess the efficacy of the lab network, eliminate duplicative programs or efforts, and increase overall efficiency.

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Open Government Legislation Focus of Sunshine Week

Sunshine Week (March 11-17) is an effort by the media, civic groups, libraries, universities, legislators and others to highlight the importance of open government. This year, there are many legislative proposals to increase government oversight and transparency moving forward in Congress. The bills address contractor responsibility, environmental information, Freedom of Information Act reform, whistleblower protections and other important aspects of an open and accountable government. Contractor Responsibility

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Congress, White House Going in Opposite Directions on TRI

On Feb. 14, Sen. Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ) and Reps. Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and Hilda Solis (D-CA) announced companion bills to restore the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) and undo the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) recently finalized reporting rollbacks. At the same time, President George W. Bush issued an executive order which may exempt all federal facilities from reporting requirements, resulting in another severe attack on the TRI program.

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TRI Changes are Major Issue at EPA Oversight Hearing

The Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) changes to the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) were a prominent issue at the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee's (EPW) Feb. 6 EPA oversight hearing. The three-panel hearing also addressed the closure of EPA libraries, the elimination of perchlorate testing, and the agency's current consideration of revoking the air quality standard for lead.

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EPA Library Closures on Hold

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has performed an about-face on its plan to close numerous libraries run by the agency. EPA has closed five regional libraries but has announced that the agency will not close any of its remaining 22 libraries until it can present its plan to Congress.

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EPA Finalizes Rules for Toxics Release Inventory

Just before the holidays, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) delivered industry an early present — a final rule relaxing reporting requirements for the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI), the country's flagship database on toxic pollution. The agency has moved forward with these changes despite findings in an OMB Watch report, Against the Public's Will (released Dec. 14, 2006), that the American public is overwhelmingly opposed to a reduction in reporting on toxics.

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EPA Finalizes Rules for Toxics Release Inventory

WASHINGTON, Dec. 18, 2006—EPA finalized a rule today relaxing reporting requirements for the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI), the country's flagship database on toxic pollution. The agency has moved forward with these changes despite findings in an OMB Watch report, “Against the Public’s Will” (released Dec. 14), that the American public is overwhelmingly opposed to a reduction in reporting on toxics.

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Americans Overwhelmingly Opposed to EPA's Plans to Cut Back Toxic Reporting

WASHINGTON, Dec. 14, 2006--The American public is overwhelmingly opposed to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) plans to cut back toxic chemical reporting under the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI), according to a report released today. OMB Watch produced the report, titled “Against the Public’s Will,” and documented opposition from 23 state governments and more than 120,000 average citizens, 60 members of Congress, 30 public health organizations, 40 labor organizations and 200 environmental and public interest organizations. EPA's proposals would relax reporting requirements in order to reduce a perceived paperwork burden for companies that release and dispose of toxic chemicals.

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