The SEJ WatchDog Alert

The WatchDog Alert (formerly WatchDog TipSheet from 2008-2019) was a regular source of story ideas, articles, updates, events and other information with a focus on freedom-of-information issues of concern to environmental journalists in both the United States and Canada.

WatchDog was compiled, edited and written by Joseph A. Davis, who directs the WatchDog Project, an activity of SEJ's Freedom of Information Task Force that reports on secrecy trends and supports reporters' efforts to make better use of FOIA.

Topics on the Beat:

Journalism & Media

Public

Latest WatchDog Alert Items

December 17, 2008

In a Pinch? On Deadline? Remember FOIA Friends

The Freedom of Information Act is still one of the most powerful tools in a reporter's toolbelt. Here's our short list of useful FOIA helpers.

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Industry Keeps Secret the Gas-Drilling Toxins Seeping into Drinking Wells

A series of drinking-water contamination incidents have raised doubts about EPA's safety claims regarding hydraulic fracturing in domestic gas wells. And it's hard for people to get to the bottom of those claims when the identity of the chemicals injected during the process is protected as a "trade secret."

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MSHA Publishes Long-Withheld (but Legally Required) FOIA Report

The Labor Department's Mine Safety and Health Administration finally released its Freedom of Information Act annual reports — after fighting veteran FOIA requester Mike Ravnitsky for some 18 months.

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Energy Department Midnight Reg Seeks To Bind Obama To Keep Old Secrets

The Energy Department in December 2008 published an 11th-hour proposed amendment to the Bush administration's secrecy rules that shroud the policies that brought Americans Enron, California blackouts, and $4 gasoline.

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December 3, 2008

Whistleblowers Might Be Your Best Sources

Whistleblowers can be a reporter's best friend — although friends that must often be handled with care. If you know a federal agency employee who tells you "Call me on January 21" — be sure to do it.

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SPJ Calls for New Congress, Prez To Pass Federal Shield Law

The Society of Professional Journalists has called on President-elect Obama and the incoming Congress to complete action on a federal shield law for journalists.

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Federal Workers Union Wants Burrowers Lists

Federal employee unions want lists of political appointees whose status has been transferred to career civil service positions at the end of the Bush administration.

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PACER Turns 20 — Still a Workhorse for Reporters

The PACER system puts many — but not all — federal court records on line. It's an easy-to-use information access tool for journalists.

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Terrorism Database Speaks of Environmental Secrecy

For the past decade, federal and state officials have put an immense amount of environmental information behind a veil of secrecy, justifying it on the grounds that the information could help terrorists. A look at the most comprehensive open-source terrorism database offers strong evidence that such fears are ill-founded.

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November 20, 2008

Investors Demand Climate-Risk Disclosure

Weary of undisclosed corporate financial risk, battered stock investors are pressuring companies to disclose the economic risks they face from climate change.

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The SEJ WatchDog Alert

Latest WatchDog Alert Items

December 17, 2008

In a Pinch? On Deadline? Remember FOIA Friends

Industry Keeps Secret the Gas-Drilling Toxins Seeping into Drinking Wells

MSHA Publishes Long-Withheld (but Legally Required) FOIA Report

Energy Department Midnight Reg Seeks To Bind Obama To Keep Old Secrets

December 3, 2008

Whistleblowers Might Be Your Best Sources

SPJ Calls for New Congress, Prez To Pass Federal Shield Law

Federal Workers Union Wants Burrowers Lists

PACER Turns 20 — Still a Workhorse for Reporters

Terrorism Database Speaks of Environmental Secrecy

November 20, 2008

Investors Demand Climate-Risk Disclosure

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