Toxics Release Inventory Resource Center
OMB Watch Report: Against the Public's Will
This summary of responses to EPA's plans to cut toxic reporting offers a detailed analysis of the comments submitted to the EPA's public docket on the proposed changes to TRI. The report identifies nine stakeholder groups, details the level of support or opposition of each group, and summarizes the main points raised by each group.
Joint Statement from Reps. Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and Hilda Solis (D-CA) on OMB Watch's Report
Statement from Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) on OMB Watch's Report
For nearly 20 years, the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) has been an essential tool in alerting emergency responders, researchers, workers, public health officials, environmentalists, community residents, and federal and state officials to the presence of toxic chemicals. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to undermine this successful program.
The EPA plans to allow companies to: (1) release ten times the amount of toxics before detailed reporting is required; (2) withhold information on Persistent Bioaccumulative Toxins (PBTs), like lead and mercury; and (3) report every other year, instead of annually.
The proposals are highly controversial, have received little support from the regulated community, and have roused an upwelling of opposition from private citizens and public officials.
In the News
Links to more than 200 news stories from around the country, including more than 30 editorials in opposition of EPA's TRI proposals.
Fact Sheets, Data Lost, Letters and Statements in Opposition
Public health professionals, scientists, public officials, Members of Congress and others are telling EPA to abandon its TRI proposals. Read their statements here, and link to materials that show the serious impacts the proposals will have on our ability to access pollution information.
Official Public Comments in Opposition
The EPA has received more than 120,000 comments against the TRI proposals. Link to a sampling of the most substantive comments that show widespread opposition to EPA's proposals that would reduce toxic chemical reporting.
Success Stories
Learn about how American citizens use the TRI to reduce pollution in thier neighborhoods. More than 20 recent TRI success stories listed here.
Background
The full text of EPA's proposals and other EPA documents about this industrial 'burden reduction' process.