Government

Environmental reporters covering health risks from chemical exposure have another searchable, free tool  in the Health & Environmental Research Online database, which catalogs scientific articles and studies the agency uses to make its decisions based on risk to health and environment.

Search and sort 84,000 selected chemicals manufactured, used, or imported into the US — minus 17,000 still hidden from the public due to claims of business confidentiality.

The newly upgraded and expanded MAPLight.org will help you make connections between lobbying and campaign contributions and the actions of members of the US House and Senate, including their votes on specific bills and issues.

The Health and Environmental Research Online database compiles references to scientific studies that EPA uses in making regulatory decisions.

But the list — the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Chemical Substance Inventory — is still minus some 17,000 chemicals that manufacturers allege are trade secrets.

SEJ's suggestions included an end to requiring Saddam-style "minders" and press-office permissions before reporters could talk to EPA scientists and staff; prompter PIO callbacks and interviews; an end to automatic "background;" and more.

Bill S 3111, introduced on March 15, 2010, by Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick J. Leahy and cosponsored by Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX),  would create a panel to study ways to reduce FOIA delays.