[Dioxin-l] TRI dtabase to be shrunk

[Tony Tweedale]

Suggested comment language:
We are strongly against the below proposal.  We want the straight scoop,
not a PR person's spin, e.g. when we ask questions whose answers have a
technical basis.  TRI estimates are complexly derived, and a PR person may
not be actually capable of communicating the right answer.
---

from OMBWatch

Right-To-Know Rumors: Can Polluters Get an Unlisted Phone Number?

EPA's Toxics Release Inventory, its compendium of toxic chemical releases
in the
U.S., may be losing some of its punch. EPA may be capitulating to long-standing
industry arguments to withhold some of the data from prying public eyes. This
public database was created to inform the public about toxic chemical
releases in
the U.S. and foster efforts to reduce pollution.

Chemical facilities must provide a technical contact person and phone number on
their TRI reporting form, but EPA is considering withholding this information
when they release new polluter data in a few weeks. The facility public
relations
person will still be listed. Environmental groups argue that without
facility contact
information, reporters can't call up factilities and ask what they are
doing to cut
releases.

Use RTK NET to search TRI for chemical pollution in your area!
To voice your concerns to the EPA, contact Margaret Schneider
mailto:Schneider.Margaret@epa.gov, the head of the
new EPA Office of Environmental Information.