Government

Often, the workings of the federal legislature appear to be "hiding in plain sight," obscured by arcane, cumbersome language and information systems.

Mexico released a report condemning the border fence along the U.S. border as environmentally destructive.

The public comment period for a long-delayed EIS draft designating energy corridors in 11 Western states is open.

Post-Kyoto climate change negotiations began in earnest in Bali, Indonesia, to prepare for the next iteration of world consensus on the topic.

NASA to hold media briefing Jan. 24 for planned Earth Science program activities.

"When an environmental group, Alaskans for Clean Water, asked for copies of state records about an unsuccessful ballot proposal to limit mining pollution, officials initially said they would turn over the documents — for $50,000," the Associated Press reported October 20, 2008.

Those U.S. representatives and senators really know how to party. Especially the ones running for re-election or under indictment. Now journalists who want to follow the money have a new "Access Washington" snooper-tool to use in their investigative projects.

EPA, FWS and OSHA are among the least open of 15 different federal agencies covered most frequently by environmental reporters, according to the Union of Concerned Scientists.

Committee staff are crucial to covering environmental issues. Here are some current House committee phone contacts relevant to the environment beat.

A broad coalition of open-government groups is finalizing an ambitious agenda to improve public access to information in the next administration.