Still-Free Information

In the weeks following September 11, page after page of information about hazardous chemicals, nuclear facilities, pipelines and other potential terrorist targets was removed from government websites. In October, for instance, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission stripped a national map of nuclear-reactor locations from its site. Unfortunately, these deletions also deprive citizens of some valuable tools for finding out whether they live near a facility that could pose a hazard in the event of an accident or another attack. "People deserve to know what dangers they are facing, so that they can protect themselves and argue for improved security and safety at the plants," says Gary Bass, executive director of the nonprofit OMB (Office of Management and Budget) Watch. Hitherto, we could gain access to government documents by filing requests under the Freedom of Information Act, but this avenue has been systematically curtailed.

Despite these rollbacks, a wealth of information still remains on the Web for concerned citizens. Some places to start:

The Right-to-Know Network (www.rtknet.org) provides access to government databases on facilities that generate, release or spill toxic chemicals.

Environmental Defense's Scorecard (www.scorecard.org) reveals which facilities are releasing chemicals in your area.

The Nuclear Information and Resource Service (www.nirs.org) provides a map of nuclear-reactor locations nationwide.

Limited public access is still available at EPA's Envirofacts Warehouse, (www.epa.gov/enviro).