Winter 1995-96 SEJournal The Quarterly Publication of the Society of Environmental Journalists Vol. 5 No. 4

In this issue SEJ NEWS n Askari comments on the dangers Is it carma? first amendment tinkering ...... page 2 Big brother might The business of n Board election results ...... page 3 be reading you, too spinning reporters VIEWPOINTS By PETER DYKSTRA By MARY MANNING n Robert Nelson probes the Òwhy and For just a tad over $46,000 of your When The Wall Street Journal put howÓ of federal land transfer .....page 8 tax dollars, Hazel OÕLearyÕs Energy the Department of EnergyÕs paid snoop, n Sally Fairfax asks the question: can Department can continue its cleanup of CARMA International into the spotlight states do a better job? ...... page 9 the Hanford Nuclear Weapons Complex for rating reporters, it seemed easy for another 13 minutes. Or, as proven in enough to brush aside the implications FREELANCERSÕ FORUM November, the DOE Secretary can buy with a laugh and a shrug. n Catherine Dold on freelancersÕ elec- a far more sustainable share of ill will The rankings produced by CARMA tronic rights ...... page 12 for the same money. (Computer-Aided Research and Media OÕLearyÕs DOE ÒglasnostÓ had Analysis) showed that the reporters drawn praise from even the harshest were, for the most part, generating bal- COMMENTARY agency critics, so what was she thinking anced pieces. n Bill Ruckelshaus comments on cor- when she allowed CARMA Associates Energy Secretary Hazel OÕLeary porate compliance ...... page 14 to prepare a scorecard of energy-beat insisted her department, though it might reporters? And why were reporters so have acted unwisely, had not drawn up CONFERENCE shockedÑshockedÑto learn that a any sort of Òhit listÕÕ or ÔÒenemyÕs list.Ó n David Helvarg lampoons the confer- prominent story subject was hiring out This is far from the first incident ence...... page 15 to analyze their work? of its kind, however. Efforts at media n Bill McKibben shares a look back The furor began with a Nov. 9 page manipulation have been taking many from the future...... page 19 one Wall Street Journal revelation that forms, some more troubling than others, n HowÕd SEJ do? Your evaluations (Continued on page 4) (Continued on page 7) assessed by Jay Letto...... page 20 n Dwight Worker reports on the inter- national point of view...... page 22 SEJ at MIT: sparks fly The challenge for about 500 journal- Americans said current environmental reg- ONLINE BITS & BYTES ists, writers, academics, and others who ulations do not go far enough. It was the n Mailing list for nonfiction writers gathered on the M.I.T. campus in Boston first time in four years that less than a explained by Jon Franklin ...... page 24 for SEJÕs fifth annual conference was to majority said so. (In 1994, it was 53 per- n Russ Clemings on the web ...page 25 sort the science from the speculation, the cent; in 1992, 63 percent). In all, 29 percent rhetoric from the reality. said environmental regulation was about CALENDAR There was plenty of all of the afore- right, while 22 percent said such laws go n Upcoming events...... page 27 mentioned to choose from. Here are some too far. The poll has a margin of error of of the highlights: plus or minus three percent. THE GREEN BEAT The unveiling of a new public opinion In response to other questions, 27 per- n Contact list of Green Beat corre- survey kicked off the conferenceÕs opening cent said the media is doing a poor job of spondents, by state...... page 32 session. In this poll conducted by Roper covering environmental issues, and 51 per- n State-by-state news roundup of Starch Worldwide in May for Times- cent said the mediaÕs coverage is biased, major stories ...... page 33 Mirror Magazines, 43 percent of 1,003 (Continued on page 16)

© Copyright 1995 the Society of Environmental Journalists, P.O. Box 27280 Philadelphia, PA 19118 SEJ News Banana bills sprout threats Some question constitutionality of outlawing fruit-defaming By EMILIA ASKARI Natural Resources Defense Council in will be challenged for constitutionality. I grew up during the long, tortuous 1989 issued a report called ÒIntolerable Until then, the bills are likely to have a end of the Vietnam War, when it was Risk: Pesticides in our ChildrenÕs Food.Ó chilling impact on environmental fashionable to denounce the U.S. govern- According to the NRDC, Alar residue on reporters, especially those who work for ment, burn flags, and wear bracelets apples exposed children to an intolerable smaller media outlets that canÕt afford a engraved with the names of soldiers miss- cancer risk. long and costly legal battle. ing in action. Coverage of the NRDC report con- As American journalists, we are I had one of the bracelets but I never tributed to the banning of AlarÕs use on trained to avoid taking sides, to cloak our burned a flag. I didnÕt even denounce our apples. It also caused a temporary but dra- opinions about the news we cover. As governmentÑat least not our entire gov- matic plunge in the apple market. In environmental journalists, many of us ernment, at least not very loudly. response, food producers throughout the are doubly careful to avoid any appear- I also had cousins in Iran who lived land have attempted to protect their busi- ance of partisanship. On this beat, like under a regime that cut off thievesÕ hands no other, our audience often assumes that and jailed people for speaking against the we stand always with environmental king. Even as a child, I understood why Report from the activists and the Democratic party. So, my family chose this country. I wasÑand many of us register to vote as indepen- amÑproud to be American. societyÕs president dents. We avoid signing petitions, and Nevertheless, I cringed in mid- we pay the higher, non-member subscrip- December when the votes of just three tion rates for magazines published senators prevented Congress from sending by environmental groups. We search for to the states a proposed new version of the neutral mutual funds in which to invest First Amendment, one that would outlaw our savings. flag-burning. This margin was too close This is an obsession particular to for my comfort. The next time around, the American journalists. In other countries flag-burning measure may well pass. (including many with governments and I oppose this because I fear any By economies similar to ours) journalists are change to the Bill of Rights could open assumedÑand allowedÑto be aligned the door to more. Although I have no urge Emilia with the commentators published or to torch Old Glory, I believe that our Askari broadcast by their employers. Not so here, overstuffed court system should not be for the most partÑeven though some additionally burdened with the few people nesses by attempting to punish those who environmental journalists consider them- who do. would say or write unkind things about selves to be in favor of a healthy environ- The attempt to outlaw flag burning is their products. ment the way many political reporters just one of several recent legislative initia- Louisiana was the first state to adopt support the democratic system. tives that threaten long-standing laws and such a law, which also forbids the defam- Environmental journalists who work traditions affecting journalists. ing of seafood. By now, according to Paul for alternative media often state their par- Earlier in 1995, some government McMasters of the Freedom Forum, the tisanship for the planet in even stronger officials and members of Congress were roster of states that have adopted some terms. Also, the rise of so-called Òcivic seriously considering curtailing Ògovern- version of this law includes Alabama, journalismÓ has muddied the waters still ment-in-the-sunshineÓ laws. Thanks in Arizona, Colorado (where fruit defaming further recentlyÑwith many news organi- part to the vigorous response of organiza- is a felony), Florida, Georgia, Idaho, zations now officially acknowledging that tions such as the Society of Professional Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Dakota and they care about their communities and Journalists and the American Society of Texas. In addition, both houses of the want to see them improve. Critics worry Newspaper Editors, that effort seems to be Ohio legislature have passed the bill, that this caring embrace could lead to on hold. which in late 1995 was in conference boosterish coverage of some issues. Meanwhile, a dozen states since 1991 committee. Proponents of so-called civic journalism have passed laws that make it a crime to ÒI predict thereÕll be a lot more of say this approach simply makes reporting defame fruit and produce. Environmental them,Ó said McMasters, whose title is more relevant and human. journalists are partly to blame for this First Amendment Ombudsman. ÒThey Not surprisingly, media corporations spate of laws known as Òbanana bills.Ó really need to be covered (in the media).Ó that have championed civic journalism They grew out of controversy caused by So far, no one has been charged have applied their caring to issues such as coverage of the apple fungicide, Alar. under the bills. If and when that happens, voter registration (for it) and racism As many SEJ members recall, the it is likely that the state law in question (Continued on page 11)

2 Winter 1995 SEJournal, P.O.Box 27280, Philadelphia, PA 19118 SEJ News ournal SEJ SEJ election fills five board seats; SEJournal (ISSN: 1053-7082) is published quarterly by the Society of Environmental Journalists, P.O. Box 27280, Philadelphia, PA 19118. Academics and associates get reps Membership $35 per year (student rate $30). Subscription fee $50; $30 Angela Swafford of the Miami HeraldÕs library rate. © 1996 by the Society of Environmental Journalists. Spanish edition and Russ Clemings of the Fresno Bee won seats on the SEJ Board of Co-editors Directors in an election that also returned Kevin Carmody and Amy Gahran three incumbents to the board and added ex- Design Editor officio seats representing academic and asso- Chris Rigel ciate members. Winning re-election to the board were Section Editors Swafford Viewpoints Craig LaMay Marla Cone of the Los Angeles Times, Erin On-line Bits & Bytes Russ Clemings Hayes of ABC News and David Ropeik of New Members List Chris Rigel Boston station WCVB-TV. Calendar Janet Raloff JoAnn Myer Valenti, a professor of com- Greenbeat Kevin Carmody munications at Brigham Young University Books Kathy Sagan won the new academic seat, while Adlai Amor of the Center of Foreign Journalists had SEJournal will accept unsolicited manuscripts. Send story ideas, arti- no opposition in earning the associate seat. cles, news briefs, tips and letters-to-the-editor to Chris Rigel, SEJ The election, concluded during the SEJ Clemmings office, P.O. Box 27280, Philadelphia, PA 19118, Ph. (215) 247-9710, Annual Meeting on Oct. 28 in Cambridge, e-mail [email protected]. Send calendar items to Janet Raloff, Mass., was the first to allow associate and Science News, 1719 N Street N.W., Washington, DC 20036. For academic members to pick non-voting repre- 1 Greenbeat, contact Kevin Carmody at 1447 Ú2 W. Fletcher Street, sentatives. Chicago, IL 60657; (312) 229-2814; e-mail [email protected]. For All terms are for three years, except one book reviews, contact Kathy Sagan, Family Circle, (212) 463-1240. of the standard board seats, which is for two For inquiries regarding the SEJ, please contact executive director years of an unexpired three-year term. In com- Beth Parke at the SEJ office, P.O. Box 27280, Philadelphia, PA pliance with the SEJ bylaws, the five winners 19118; Ph:(215) 247-9710; Fax: (215) 247-9712; Street address: were to draw straws at a Jan. 13 board meet- Cone 9425 Stenton Avenue, Suite 209, Erdenheim, PA 19038. Via ing to determine who serves the shorter term. Internet: [email protected] Instead, Hayes volunteered for it. n n n At a meeting following the annual meet- The Society of Environmental Journalists (SEJ) is a non-profit, tax exempt, ing, the board re-elected all serving officers to 501(c)3 organization. The mission of the organization is to advance public one-year terms. understanding of environmental issues by improving the quality, accuracy HereÕs more background on the winners: and visibility of environmental reporting. We envision an informed society through excellence in environmental journalism. As a network of journal- Clemings started covering the environ- ists and academics, SEJ offers national and regional conferences, publica- ment in 1982 at the Fort Lauderdale Sun tions and online services. SEJ's membership of over 1,100 includes journal- Sentinel, later moving to the Bee. Research he Hayes ists working for print and electronic media, educators, and students. Non- did while on an Alicia Patterson Fellowship members are welcome to attend SEJ's national conferences and to sub- will lead to the February publication of scribe to the quarterly SEJournal. ÒMirage: The False Promise of Desert SEJournal is published electronically on CompuserveÕs Journalism Forum, on the Agriculture.Ó SEJ forum on America Online, and on the World Wide Web at this URL address: Cone is nowprimary environment writer http://www.tribnet.com/environ/ at the L.A. Times, having initially covered the SEJ Board of Directors: President, Emilia Askari, Detroit Free Press, beat in Orange County after joining the paper (800) 678-6400; vice president, Rae Tyson, USA Today, (703) 276-3424; five years ago. Her work has twice earned the vice president, Tom Meersman, Minneapolis Star Tribune, (612) 673- Meeman Award, most recently last year. 4414; secretary, Kevin Carmody, Chicago Daily Southtown, (312) 229- Hayes is a Chicago-based correspondent Ropeik 2814; treasurer, Steve Curwood, NPRÕs Living On Earth, (617) 868-8810; for ABC and previously reported for CBS in Atlanta. Her work Russell Clemings, Fresno Bee, (209) 441-6371; (Marla Cone, The Los at network affiliates earned her two Columbia DuPont awards. Angeles Times, (800) 528-4637, ext. 73497; Amy Gahran, E Source, (303) As a radio reporter she helped break the Times Beach story. 440-8500; Erin Hayes, ABC News, (312) 899-4015; Randy Lee Loftis, Dallas Morning News, (313) 761-6927; Mike Mansur, Kansas City Star, Ropeik has covered the environment for WCVB-TV for (816) 234-4433; David Ropeik, WCVB-TV, Boston, (617) 449-0400; more than a decade, winning or sharing several DuPont- Angela Swafford, The Miami Herald/El Nuevo Herald, (305) 376-2168. Columbia awards in the process. He recently completed a Representative for academic members: JoAnn Valenti, Brigham Young Knight science fellowship at MIT as was chair of SEJÕs University, (801) 378-7020; Representative for associate members: Adlai Boston Conference. Amor, Center for Foreign Journalists, (703) 620-598; Jim Detjen, ex offi- Swafford is a features writer and columnist for El Nuevo cio board member: (517) 353-9479, Michigan State University. SEJournal is printed on recycled paper (Continued on page 14)

SEJournal, P.O.Box 27280, Philadelphia, PA 19118 Winter 1995 3 Cover Story

Big brother...(from page 1) the Department of Energy paid $46,500 Òby degree of sycophancy,Ó according to for CARMA (a Washington, DC firm that The NationÕs Barbara Ehrenreich. Skipped beats offers analysis of news coverage) to devel- CARMA President Al Barr put it more op profiles of the work gently, saying ÒItÕs helped us help our on DOE story of print reporters who regularly cover clients be more far more effective with the DOE projects and sites. media.Ó When the Wall Street JournalÕs The purpose, said OÕLeary, was to How is this research conducted? Barr Michael Moss broke this story on analyze how her made-over DOE explained that CARMAÕs methodology November 9, the followup reporting message was playing in the national involves intensive research Òsometimes made a few wrong journalism-school print pressÑas well as in newspapers involving thousands of documents or sto- assumptions...... near key (read: besieged and controver- ries,Ó pored over by a small team sial) DOE facilities. According to of as few as two individuals, who rate ¥ Consultant Bites Dog: some reporters who were the subjects the performance of individual journal-ists. What a great story! OÕLeary had of this study, its purpose was to BarrÕs talent pool includes some former cut a dynamic figure by reversing prepare a Nixonian Òenemies listÓ journalists and academics, as well as peo- DOEÕs reputation for Cold War secre- of hostile sourcesÑand then to take ple with less formal training. cy. Did her reporter research prove that the dreaded-but-undefined Òappropr- Most of CARMAÕs clients want to she was instead the second coming of iate action.Ó focus on inside-the-Beltway policy issues. Nixon? (She was, after all, a former Reactions came at a gallop as other However, CARMAÕs 130-name client list utility executive at MinnesotaÕs print press and the networks followed also includes MicroSoft (whose mega-roll- Northern States Power). Perceiving a the JournalÕs scoop. OÕLeary assured out for Windows Ô95 used a CARMA supreme hypocrisy, reporters and edi- everyone that the project was benign: no analysis of the computer trade press, tors reacted as if theyÕd caught Ralph reporters had been harmed in the course of although Barr claims the Journal overstat- Reed in a strip jointÑor Al Gore in a the research. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) was ed his companyÕs role); strike-torn major strip mine. one of 69 lawmakers, including some league baseball; McDonaldÕs; and each Democrats, to call for OÕLearyÕs resigna- side in the triangular phone war between ¥ The Smoking Gun: tion. (In a floor speech, Rep. Graham told AT&T, MCI, and Sprint. ÒHazel OÕLeary wasnÕt bad,Ó his colleagues that the money paid to Closer to Capitol Hill, CARMA has penned the New Republic. ÒShe was CARMA could be more wisely spent in analyzed coverage of gun issues for the dumb.Ó Her gun was smoking, but was renewed tritium production at his districtÕs National Rifle Association, and presum- it ever used to commit a crime against Savannah River Site.) Journalists and ably a much wider range of issues for the journalists? ThereÕs no evidence of other ÒsourcesÓ who U.S. Postal Service. CARMA has served malevolence, even in subsequent reve- had earned low ÒunfavorableÓ rankings the beer and tobacco empire of Phillip lations that she spent nearly $150,000 from CARMA delivered aggrieved sound- Morris, the T-men of the Internal Revenue of federal funds on an image-building bites. Had CARMA still been on the job Service, and the 1992 Bush-Quayle cam- consultant. Many journalists, congress- (DOE ended the contract before the story paign. According to Barr, although his men, and others have cited the use-of- broke), it certainly would have given a company also worked for several utilities, public-funds issue. For journalists pon- low grade to scalding editorials about this environmental issues donÕt represent a siz- dering their professional universe, that scandal that appeared in able portion of CARMAÕs business. may be a valid storyÑbut itÕs a differ- the New York Times and Washington Post. Former Milwaukee Journal reporter ent one than the right-or-wrong morali- OÕLeary endured Congressional hearings Chuck Werle is one of CARMAÕs com- ty play of CarmaÕs work. In December, and a sharp rebuke from the White House. petitors. Environmentally oriented clients a Los Angeles Times report blasted Fruit flies have longer lifespans than are rare for his Chicago-based firm, OÕLeary for what critics called Òextrav- this sort of Washington story, however. It he says. The bull market for media agantÓ overseas travel, prompting withered and fell off the front page within analysis lies in more sprawling beats, such renewed calls for her resignation. 48 hours, bequeathing to journalists an as business. In more rarefied beats like intense, esoteric debate. How jerked environment and energy, reporters (and ¥ List History 101: around are we? How common are firms the subjects of their stories) generally Perhaps NixonÕs notorious Òene- like CARMA? Should this have been even donÕt need detailed analysisÑthey know mies listÓ isnÕt the best precedent for a fleeting furor? What does it all mean for each other better. When asked why some journalists were alarmed by the way we do our jobs? why DOE would need the kind of detail HazelÕs list. A 1970 memo from J. A subsequent Journal story detailed provided by CARMAÕs reports, Werle Edgar Hoover, declassified more than a that CARMA is one of several firms draw- quipped, ÒIf people are really paranoid, decade later, reported a request by ing top dollars to analyze journalistsÕ theyÕre the ones that need services Nixon staffer H.R. Haldeman request- work. Their 0-to-100 scale ranks reporters like CARMA.Ó ing the FBIÕs help in compiling a far

4 Winter 1995 SEJournal, P.O.Box 27280, Philadelphia, PA 19118 Cover Story more ominous Nixon list: Òhomosexu- Should reporters be aghast at this oppose, for example, hiring a private als known and suspected in the new, apparently sinister development? detective to surveil a journalist, Òprovided Washington press corps.Ó (HooverÕs Sinister is in the eye of the beholderÑbut that detective obeyed the law,Ó and that memo promised the FBIÕs enthusiastic new this isnÕt. In my decade of experience the detective did not pursue or reveal help on the project). During an era as Media Director for Greenpeace, judging details of the journalistÕs private life. when homophobes were far more pub- reportersÕ work, and receptiveness, was a He added that he has never carried out lic than gays and lesbians, this list routine and daily task. Absent CARMA- such surveillance. could have been a career-ender for any style analysis (or pseudo-analysis) and a John Beardsley, a Minneapolis public reporter who ended up on itÑand the high consulting fee, I donÕt know of a relations professional and President of White House knew it. major environmental group, industry, or the Public Relations Society of America, government agency that doesnÕt routinely pronounced CARMAÕs DOE work However, a few things that use this strategy. ÒDefensible. ItÕs simply good management deserved scrutiny went largely unchal- During my tenure there, if a reporter to assess whether (a media strategy) is lenged during the flap: unfamiliar to Greenpeace called us in working,Ó he said. RotbartÕs suggestion of pursuit of a major surveillance struck a ¥ The Swimsuit Competition: story, of course weÕd While reporters nerve. ÒItÕs inappropri- What exactly do these numbers look at that re- increasingly benefit ate. How can you draw porterÕs past work. If the line between Ôpub- mean, anyway? CARMA employs from an information- its own analysts to give a 1-to-100 score that reporterÕs news licÕ and ÔprivateÕ sur- to reporters. A rival firm, Werle+Brimm stories or opinion gathering revolution, veillance?Ó Ltd., sends questionnaires to publicists pieces seemed to be the everyday wonders Beardsley also who judge on a 1-to-10 scale on individ- consistently hostile, of Lexis and the uni- said that some re- ual reportersÕ performance in categories of course weÕd con- verse of data on the portersÕ harsh reaction sider dealing with to the CARMA story such as Òbalanced reporting, interview World Wide Web work skills, and personality.Ó How objective that reporter more may be traced to the can a statistical chart based on Òperson- defensively. both ways: Reporting Ònatural tensionÓ that alityÓ judgments be? Victor Cohn, long- While reporters on reporters is easier exists between reporters time Washington Post Science Editor, increasingly benefit now, too. and the publicists who fears that such categories are Òtoo sub- from an information- are among the most fre- jective to subject to a valid analysis.Ó gathering revolution, quent consumers of con- the everyday wonders of Lexis and the tent-analysis data. ¥ Liberal Media: universe of data on the World Wide Web The PR trade publication PR News Conservative RepublicansÑ work both ways: Reporting on reporters is put the blame more directly on reporters in including some of the harshest press easier now, too. Whether itÕs good press or a November 20 editorial: ÒBy now, most critics in CongressÑbecame stalwart bad, what reporters do is important to all PR people are resigned to the fact that the factions in the environmental debate. mainstream media is unlikely to ever give defenders of the press, however Should it be a surprise that thereÕs a mar- the profession any thoughtful discussion.Ó unintentionally: ÒHazel OÕLeary ket for more sophisticated data on how For many reporters, the tough call is has hired a private investigating firm reporters do it? whether CARMAÕs formalization of the to poke into reporters who write Dean Rotbart of TJFR publishes rate-the-reporters game breaks unwritten about her,Ó said Congressman Steve a newsletter featuring profiles of environ- rules. Phil Shabecoff, the former New Chabot (R-OH), greatly embellishing mental journalists and news organizations. York Times environment reporter, said the the scope of CARMAÕs services. For a fee, clients can receive more detailed CARMA incident Ògets too close to ÒSheÕs then had the private eyes create biographies of specific reporters. thought control.Ó Nevertheless, he places an enemiesÕ list of unfavorable While he declined to name names, such Carmic experiences low on the scale reporters who report on her...Ó Rotbart said that Òroughly five percentÓ of threats to a vigorous press, citing of his sales are made to environmen- NovemberÕs Sixty Minutes retreat from an ¥ Reinventing Government: tal groups in addition to his trove of expose against litigious tobacco compa- OÕLeary defended CARMAÕs hir- corporate and environmental clients. He nies as a more ominous threat. ing by saying that the same research added that several national print and Shabecoff said that during his done by CARMA for $46,500 would broadcast news organizations also buy contentious 1991 departure from the have cost $170,000 if done in-house by his profiles so that they can monitor Times, editors labeled his work as Òtoo DOE. No one asked why it would cost media-beat reporters and TV critics. While sympathetic to environmental causes.Ó four times as much for a government he does not dispute that journalists are tar- However, he added that he knew of no agency to replicate a private firmÕs gets of manipulation from all sides, CARMA-like performance studies of his work. Rotbart asserts that heÕs Òan equal oppor- workÑwhether by the Times or by tunity manipulator.Ó prospective story subjects. ÑPeter Dykstra Rotbart said he would not necessarily ÒItÕs entirely appropriate for news

SEJournal, P.O.Box 27280, Philadelphia, PA 19118 Winter 1995 5 Cover Story sources to informally evaluate reporters,Ó known as ÒgreenwashingÓ is spread across vanishing newspapers, libel suits, and says Bill Beecher, a former Pulitzer-win- the beat, some environment reporters say mega-media buyouts have carved out a ning reporter who is now Public Affairs theyÕve received a more direct assault. Ô90Õs media beat for reporters like the Director for the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Kathie Durbin, formerly of the New YorkerÕs Ken Auletta, Howard Kurtz Commission. ÒBut some of this other Oregonian, and Richard Manning of of the Washington Post, and Howard activity may cross the line.Ó Beecher says MontanaÕs Missoulian have contended Rosenberg of the Los Angeles Times. NRC has never commissioned a formal that they were removed from environ- Rotbart of TJFR says that several national evaluation of its press coverage or print and broadcast companies are reportersÕ individual performance. While some of what has become his clients. Have any news organi- Josef Hebert, the Associated known as ÒgreenwashingÓ is spread zations wary of self-criticism Press reporter who scored at the across the beat, some environment availed themselves of CARMAÕs negative end of the CARMA/DOE services? ÒNot yet,Ó says Barr, Òbut scale, said ÒIÕm not that bothered reporters say theyÕve received a more they should.Ó by it. I donÕt know what (clients) direct assault. Kathie Durbin, formerly In December, Barr commis- get out of it thatÕs all that useful. of the Oregonian, and Richard sioned himself to do a detailed Where I would get much more up- Manning of MontanaÕs Missoulian analysisof reporting on CARMAÕs set is if people were trying to dig have contended that they were removed DOE contract. He revealed that 77 into your personal views on things.Ó percent of the published stories cast Hebert, who has covered energy from environ-ment reporting due to media monitoring in a negative and environment for the AP for pressure from the timber industry. light. Despite this, Rotbart, Werle, most of the last six years, added that and Barr all say the spotlight on his low marks won him Òover a their businesses prompted inquiries dozenÓ messages of congratulations from ment reporting due to pressure from the from prospective new clients. other journalists. timber industry. Meanwhile, OÕLearyÕs woes For many reporters, what seems When these reporters became statis- continued into mid-December with addi- to be the source of the strong reaction to tics (like Shabecoff), media monitors with tional Congressional calls for her resigna- media monitoring is what they canÕt seeÑ image-conscious clients may have looked tion. And for a Dec. 14 USA Today report but do suspectÑbehind operations such as to be scorekeepers. Albert Barr of on government travel costs, OÕLeary CARMAÕs. Toxic Sludge is Good for You, CARMA and his competitors all say that broke from her record of openness, declin- a book by John Stauber and Sheldon their services draw the line at analysis. ing to be interviewed for the piece. Rampton, documents a litany of what the However, Barr adds ÒWhat they (clients) authors present as ethical abuses in the do with our data is their business.Ó environmental public relations domain. Just as the environment became a Peter Dykstra is the News Director While some of what has become booming beat in the 1980Õs, stories on for Environment Unit at CNN, Atlanta.

National Public Radio has a new Name For Peace: International editor-in-chief. person on the environmental beat. David Environmentalism, Development and Chris Ballman is looking forward Baron, already a frequent contributor Democracy. ÒItÕs about everything,Ó he to Òspecializing in one area of the news.Ó to NPR, is joining the network full says with a laugh. He will get that chance as senior produc- time as environmental science reporter. Moving the publishing company er of National Public RadioÕs Living On Baron says he wonÕt be doing policy Earth. It is a new position, designed to stories. Instead, he will do Òthoughtful help shape the programÕs expanded one features on the scienceÓ of whatever Media on the Move hour format. Ballman previously was in is being debated on Capitol Hill. He will charge of Monitor RadioÕs Midday focus on the effects of policies, trying Compiled by George Homsy Edition, a newsmagazine distributed by to determine what is working and what Public Radio International. is not. Van Nostrand Rheinhold into the next Greenwire publisher Philip millennium is no small mission, but itÕs Shabecoff is getting back into reporting, part of the portfolio Nancy Olsen picked Win an award? Start a fellowship? something he says he missed as up when she signed on as Change jobs? Let us know. Media On a publisher and a book author. HeÕs publisher for environmental sciences. In The Move. . . is a way for members to taken a part-time job as Washington, DC addition to buying and editing Òsolu- keep in touch the 363 long days we are correspondent for High Country News. tions-orientedÓ environmental health not at the SEJ conference. Send news HeÕll keep an eye on how Congress is books and launching a new program about you or your colleagues to: George handling red-hot western issues for the in ecology, Olsen is in charge of putting Homsy at Living On Earth, PO Box Paonia, Colorado-based weekly. At the books they already own 380639, Cambridge, MA 02238-0639. same time, Shabecoff is putting the fin- onto CD-ROM. OlsenÕs last posting was Tel: 617-868-8810, fax: 617-868-8659, ishing touches on his new book, A New at Island Press where she was e-mail: [email protected]

6 Winter 1995 SEJournal, P.O.Box 27280, Philadelphia, PA 19118 Cover Story

Spinning reporters...(from page 1) according to several journalists who have scandal, Stauber and Rampton pull the campaign worker also followed written on the issue. covers off the PR industry. They are edi- Vestermark as he left a press conference Sometimes hired public relations tor and associate editor, respectively, of to return to the public relations/public firms try to spin the reporters instead PR Watch, a newsletter designed to dog affairs firm of Mongoven, Biscoe, and of the information. Take the case of the spin doctors. Duchin (MBD). He turned out to be a Tom Kenworthy of The Washington Post, The bookÕs title came from a Ògreen- former analyst for the Department of a low scorer on another CARMA list washÕÕ of sewer sludge. In the early Defense who had written reports on social compiled for the beef industry. 1990s a press release came to StauberÕs effects of nuclear attacks. Kenworthy ranked low on loving attention saying, ÒToxic sludge is good MBD represents an array of clients beef, so to convert him the industry for you!Ó A group calling itself the Water including Monsanto, DuPont, Philip introduced him to some real cattlemen. ÒI Environmental Federation was campaign- Morris, and Shell Oil. Its interests beyond guess they thought I wasnÕt pre- food safety include acid rain, senting their side well enough,ÕÕ clean air, clean water, haz- he said. The public relations methods used to ardous/toxic wastes, nuclear The meaty corporations promote the bovine growth hormone (BGH) energy, recycling, South Africa, later gave him a better rating, developed by the chemical company, the United Nations, pesticides, saying they were somewhat Monsanto, included hiring a ÒwhoÕs whoÓ biotechnology, and oil spills. happier with his coverage, list of the top public relations firms and lob- USA TodayÕs Rae Tyson has although Kenworthy claimed a running battle with Fenton the industry-arranged meetings byists to squelch negative reports. Public Communications, a public rela- did not cause him to conscious- Relations firms also campaigned against tions corporation representing the ly change his coverage. activist Jeremy RifkinÕs book Beyond Beef, National Resources Defense Public relations companies which recommends that people stop eating Council (NRDC). As a print jour- have enormous resources to beef for ethical, health, and environ- nalist for the nationÕs largest cir- shape their messages, while the culation newspaper, Tyson said, average reporter has to battle a mental reasons. Fenton gives reports to the major budget (and often the boss) to morning shows on network tele- get the story, said David vision with an embargo on any Helvarg, author of The War Against the ing to change the term sludge to bio- release by print media. Greens (Sierra Club Books, 1994) solids. The organization turned out to be ÒI have protested to Fenton ÒYouÕve got the end of the Cold War with the old industrial-strength Federation of Communications,Ó he said. ÒThey are not no peace dividend in sight,Ó he said. Sewage and Industrial Wastes Assoc. interested in us doing anything in depth Helvarg contends that PR firms are from the 1970s, Rampton said. with it. It just drives me crazy.Ó no longer going over the line to tell their Stauber became fascinated with TysonÕs two concerns are PR firms storiesÑrather, they are defining that the public relations methods used to delving into the lives of reporters and line.He also believes there is too little in- promote the bovine growth hormone manipulating the newsgathering. vestigation or analysis by major news (BGH) developed by the chemical ÒThe thing that surprises me about organizations into serious, important company, Monsanto. The biotechnol- the CARMA report is I didnÕt think Hazel environmental issues that warrant major ogy leader hired a ÒwhoÕs whoÓ list OÕLeary was getting bad press,ÕÕ he said. coverage. of the top public relations firms and TJFR, a company that sells reportersÕ The latest PR snoopers have a centu- lobbyists to squelch negative reports, bios starting at $49, is on a smaller scale ry-old tradition of carnival barkers and he discovered. as troubling as CARMA, Òbut there is tobacco company hawkers behind them, PR firms also cam-paigned against nothing we can do about it,Ó Tyson said. say authors John Stauber and Sheldon activist Jeremy RifkinÕs book Beyond ÒFor $49 they will send you a copy of my Rampton in their book, Toxic Sludge Beef, which recommends that people stop bio. If you want to call me up and ask me, is Good for You! (Common Courage eating beef for ethical, health, and envi- IÕll give it to you for nothing.Ó Press, 1995). The subtitle of this book ronmental reasons. The book, denounced is Lies, Damn Lies and the Public by the Beef Council and the National Relations Industry. Dairy Board, drew the wrath of Ketchum Mary Manning is environmental From the nuclear industryÕs media and Morgan & Myers PR powers. writer for the Las Vegas SUN and is a blitz (planned like a World War II battle A spy, Seymour ÒBudÓ Vestermark, correspondent for Nature and The to win the hearts and minds of Nevada Jr., infiltrated RifkinÕs staff. Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists. She residents so they would accept This spy-for-hire was caught when also has written for several wire services. a high-level nuclear waste dump) a reporter thought he recognized One of the journalists graded by CARMA, to the Reagan administrationÕs orchestrat- Vestermark from a former life as a Manning has covered nuclear issues for ed attempt to gloss over the Iran-Contra McDonaldÕs worker. A Beyond Beef 30 years.

SEJournal, P.O.Box 27280, Philadelphia, PA 19118 Winter 1995 7 Viewpoints Senate bill renews Public land: age-old controversy Who should manage public land, for what purpose? local issues elsewhere in the United States. In the rural west, Controversy on these questions is as old as the United States the federal government effectively functions as a local planning itself, and the history of public land management is marked and zoning board. both with achievement and with scandal. Today the political and economic forces supporting a trans- Now the debate has been renewed.. House bill HR2032 fer of federal lands to the states are much broader than during (sponsored by Utah Republican James Hansen), and Senate bill the Sagebrush Rebellion. In fact, this time, the possibility of S1031 (sponsored by Wyoming Republican Craig Thomas), transferring federal landsÑif the west decides this is what it propose transferring to the states the surface, water, and min- really wantsÑis greater than ever before. eral rights in lands currently managed by the federal Bureau of The leading candidates for transfer are the 268 million Land Management. acres, mostly in the west, managed by the Bureau of Land Here, an economist and public policy scholar offer two Management (BLM). The BLM, established in 1946, combined views of the current debate and some of the environmental the old General Land Office and the federal Grazing Service to issues it raises. manage lands like national parks never included in earlier sys- tems. The BLM also manages energy and mineral resources on Federal land transfer: why and how? all federal lands, not just its own, giving it partial jurisdiction over 732 million acres. by ROBERT H. NELSON In any deliberations over transfer options, finances will Asked at his confirmation hearing whether he favored a play a prominent role. The additional revenues that would go to transfer of federal lands in the west to the states, former Interior the states under a full transfer of BLM lands are substantialÑ Secretary James Watt said, in essence, no. Watt represented the $575 million in 1992. traditional Western attitude toward the federal government, The states would incur costs, too. If the western states took described by novelist Wallace Stegner as Òget out, and give us over all the lands and minerals now managed by the BLM more money.Ó (and assuming the statesÕ land management costs were That approach will no longer work. The federal govern- about equal to BLMÕs, even though the states would no doubt mentÕs financial capabilities are likely to be restrained by bud- act to cut the bloated BLM bureaucracy), a representative get considerations over the next decade, limiting its ability to western state would receive about $20 to $30 million a year pay for public land management. There is also a growing dis- less in new revenues than its new management costs (based on content in the west with the quality of federal land manage- 1992 figures). ment, coupled with a general alienation from Washington. There is, however, considerable variation in costs from Consequently Congress is once again considering the state to state. New Mexico and Wyoming would experience idea of transferring some of its lands in the west to the states. large positive fiscal impacts because of the federal oil, gas, In 1930, the Hoover administration offered some lands or coal resources there. Alaska would experience a hefty to the western states but proposed to retain the minerals negative fiscal impact (about $100 million a year) because of rights. This offer was rejected. In the so-called ÒSagebrush the large BLM presence there, high costs, and few revenues RebellionÓ of the late 1970s, generated on federal lands. many western state legis- Most Alaskan oil production latures passed resolutions Terms of grazing permits, mining exploration, is on state lands. asking for the transfer of fed- and hunting and fishing access have been Overall, given that a eral lands. The Reagan worked out over many years with various federal typical western state would administration and environ- agencies. Turning these responsibilities over to be taking possession of mentalists, however discour- something like a quarter of aged the effort. state agencies would create giant uncertainties its land, the added fiscal Federal lands comprise a among historic users of the public lands. burdens do not seem full 47 percent of the land unmanageable. They are not areas of the 11 westernmost of such a magnitude that they lower-48 states (83 percent of Nevada, 68 percent of Alaska, 64 would be the single determining factor. percent of Utah, 62 percent of Idaho, and 44 percent of The more important consideration would be the confidence California). There is more federal land in California than the that westerners have in their own state governments and other total area of Washington State. political institutions to manage the land. And here is fear of the This huge federal presence is not based on any special rela- unknown. How would such a basic change alter land-tenure tionship between the federal government and the states. In fact, arrangements? Terms of grazing permits, mining exploration, most matters decided by federal administrators of this vast hunting and fishing access, and other matters have been worked domain, like recreational or grazing use, would be state and out over many years with various federal agencies. Turning

8 Winter 1995 SEJournal, P.O.Box 27280, Philadelphia, PA 19118 Viewpoints these responsibilities over to state agencies would create giant land politics based on community, place, and civic responsibility uncertainties among historic users of the public lands. at a local (and arguably more ecologically appropriate and But if the states took possession of BLM lands, they would, human) scale. in fact, have many options. They could manage all or some of the Thus, debate over land title emerges as a part of a growing lands at the state level, transfer land to consensus that local democracy is vital in local governments, create public corpora- the decision-making process about federal tions, contract with nonprofit groups to Viewpoints public land. What mixture of title, process, manage lands, offer long-term leases, or is a regular feature of SEJournal, and accountability would enhance local privatize some lands outright. One of the offering a forum to non-journalists responsibility? major advantages of state control is that it who deal with environmental States are enjoying unusual attention would allow for much greater innovation issues and the media in this discussion, largely because the and experimentation. The states, after all, statesÕ experience in land management dif- have traditionally been ÒlaboratoriesÓ of the federal system. fers significantly from that of federal agencies. Much state land Doubtlessly, any major change in land tenure would disrupt was granted by Congress when states joined the union. This land long-standing political, financial and legal networks, and other is held in trust because it was intended for the benefit of public relationships. But in the long run, western states would very like- schools and public institutions. State land trustees presently man- ly be better off, the lands more efficiently managed and more age about 155 million surface and subsurface acresÑalmost beneficially used in the service of future generations. Historic twice the National Park ServiceÕs 80-plus million acres, and federal dominance has kept much of the west in a condition of close to the Forest ServiceÕs 183 million acres. political and economic adolescence. Now is the time for an State trust land management is subject to a familiar mandate informed national debate of the merits of ending federal owner- and a rich set of well-understood rules. Just like any trust for a ship of such vast areas of the western states. grandchildÕs education (or similar goal), the beneficiary and the courts will hold the trustee accountable for making the trust cor- pus productive for the beneficiary. State programs appear to be a Robert H. Nelson is professor of public affairs at the reasonable middle way to achieve cost-effectiveness while main- University of Maryland, senior fellow of the Competitive taining public control and benefit because of this mandate. Enterprise Institute in Washington, DC, and senior. fellow for The statesÕ experience is suggestive for three reasons. First, public lands at the Center for the New West in Denver. His most it addresses the issues of inefficiency and improper incentives recent book is Public Lands and Private Rights: The Failure of to bureaucrats that figure prominently in critiques of the cur- Scientific Management. rent system. Second, this emphasis on containing costs actually can bene- fit the environment. Trust land managers are not tempted to Land management: can states do better? invest in developments that will not return a profit. What they can spend on management is limited to a fraction of what they By SALLY K. FAIRFAX produce. Consequently there is no below-cost timber sale prob- The nation is wrangling again over the legitimacy of govern- lem on trust lands. Similarly, grazing leases are offered at auction ment ownership of land. While the dust-up seems familiar, it to the highest bidder. There is typically no requirement that bid- would be a mistake to paint the present conversation with the ders own land in the adjacent areasÑhence, it is possible for con- story lines of the past. The outcome is likely to be the sameÑall servation buyers to bid on land that they want for hiking, hunt- the protagonists are so subsidized by present management that ing, or watershed protection. unless the budget cutters and market advocates gain considerable Finally, the school trust is perpetual. The trust resources can steam in Congress, federal ownership will survive. never be diminished, and the trustee is obligated to maintain the Nonetheless, the new debate is different in ways that reflect productive capacity of the trust in perpetuity. deep changes in both western and national politics. This should State trust lands offer a rich and diverse set of examples of be instructive to journalists who take resource management seri- how to institutionalize sustainable resource management. The ously. The states emerge as important players in this altered con- states are major land owners and managers in the American West textÑbut could they do a better job of land management than and, in many ways, already are doing a better job than the federal federal agencies? government. More importantly, the state trust concept is a famil- The new debate is distinguished by an explicit concentration iar, flexible tool that can be applied in many situations to allow on the appropriate level of decision making. The emergence of a local groups to act responsibly in the management of public new kind of environmental interest group gives vitality to the resources. It provides experience we can draw upon as we con- western expression of this national phenomenon: grass-roots sider public lands programs and priorities for the next century. environmental groups are challenging both national preservation groups and commodity interests. These new local groups are defined by their incluslion of not only environmentalists, but Sally K. Fairfax teaches in the Department of Environmental also business people and workers who have recognized their Science, Policy, and Management at the University of California mutual dependence on sustainable management of regional at Berkeley. She is coauthor of State Trust Lands, resources. The heart of the new emphasis is to build a public due in January from the University Press of Kansas.

SEJournal, P.O.Box 27280, Philadelphia, PA 19118 Winter 1995 9 ReportersÕ Toolbox Particulate air pollution: a primer By DAVID BARON If you havenÕt written about particulate air pollution yet, What is the evidence that particulates are harmful? chances are you will soon. Tiny particles of smoke and soot from steel mills, power The case that particulate levels allowed under current plants, and motor vehicles could be responsible for tens of thou- EPA standards cause disease and death is compellingÑbut sands of deaths each year in the U.S., according to recent stud- circumstantial. ies. The research suggests that EPA standards arenÕt strict The evidence comes almost entirely from epidemiological enough, because many of these deaths occur in areas with par- studies that examine the rates of death and disease within a ticulate levels that are well below current EPA limits. community and attempt to correlate it with levels of particulates The EPA currently is under court order to review (and in the air. The fact that dozens of studies have been conducted possibly revise) its particulate standards, on this topic (mostly by scientists at as a result of a lawsuit filed by the the Harvard School of Public Health) American Lung Association. The EPA has ReportersÕ Toolbox is impressive. until June 30, 1996 to propose new is a regular feature of SEJournal, In Philadelphia, Detroit, St. Louis, standards or to propose keeping the old in which experienced reporters Birmingham, Cincinnati, Los Angeles, ones. A final decision is required by provide tips on gathering news and other cities, when airborne particle January 31, 1997. about environmental issues levels (especially fine particles) go up, With these deadlines looming, envi- so do death rates. Similarly, studies ronmental organizations, scientists, and industry representatives show that when particle levels increase, the number of hospital are locked in heated debate. ThereÕs a lot at stake: implementing admissions, emergency room visits, and asthma attacks stricter standards could cost industry billions of dollars. Not increase. implementing new standards could cost lives. The key criticism of such studies is that particles may The following information should provide the background not be to blame, but rather a ÒconfoundingÓ pollutant. When youÕll need to cover this emerging public health issue. the air is dirty with particles, itÕs often dirty with other pollu- tants as wellÑsuch as ozone, sulfur dioxide, or carbon monox- What are particulates? ide. These other substances in the air may be causing Airborne particulates consist of a wide range of the health effects, say critics. If that is the case, clamping down substancesÑamong them carbon soot from wood-burning on particles would be attacking the wrong problem. stoves, dust from construction sites, and tiny acid particles that However, proponents of more stringent particle standards form when sulfur dioxide point to the con- or nitrous oxide (com- Environmental organizations, scientists, and industry sistency of the bustion products) react representatives are locked in heated debate: implementing findings from city with other chemicals in to city, in areas the atmosphere. stricter standards could cost industry billions of dollars. Not with very different When the EPA implementing new standards could cost lives. compositions of issued its first particulate air pollution. No standard (in 1970), it matter what the treated all particles the same. The regulations other pollutants might be, studies generally find that with each put a limit on total suspended particulates (TSP), regardless 10 micrograms per cubic meter in-crease in PM10, death rates of size or composition. rise by 1Ñ1.5 percent. This effect appears to exist even at the Further studies suggested that not all particles cause equal lowest measurable parti-culate concentrations. harmÑthe tinier the particle, the more dangerous it is. So, in Key unanswered questions 1987, the EPA revised its standards to regulate only particles small enough to penetrate the lungs. ¥ How do particles cause harm? There are many theories These particles, less than microns in size, are referred to as to how particles cause disease and death. When fine particles as PM10. (By comparison, human hair is about 100 microns penetrate deep into the lungs, they may cause irritation and con- thick.) The current EPA standard for PM10 in the air is set striction of the airways, may trigger harmful immune system at 150 micrograms per cubic meter for a 24-hour average, reactions, or may damage the alveoli (tiny sacs where gases are and 50 micrograms per cubic meter for an annual average. exchanged with the bloodstream). Unfortunately, no one really Not all PM10 particles are alike, either. They can include knows what makes particles dangerous. ÒcoarseÓ particles (road dust, sea salt, pollen) and ÒfineÓ Confusing matters further, animal studies generally have particles (produced primarily by the burning of coal, oil, and not demonstrated that particles are harmful at the levels suggest- natural gas). The EPA is considering refining its standards ed by epidemiological reports. New animal studies, nearing further, to focus on the fine particlesÑthose less than 2.5 completion, are expected soon to provide the first direct evi- microns (PM2.5). dence that particles do pose a risk at relatively low levels.

10 Winter 1995 SEJournal, P.O.Box 27280, Philadelphia, PA 19118 ReportersÕ Toolbox ¥ Who is dying? Is particulate pollution shaving a few days past particulate studies for the Health Effects Institute (HEI). off the lives of people already terminally ill, or is it shortening Based in Cambridge, Mass., HEI bills itself as lives considerably and causing years of disability? The answer an impartial arbiter of controversial health issues. could affect EPAÕs risk/benefit analysis for devising a new stan- HEIÕs president is Dan Greenbaum (617-621-0266). HEI dard. staff scientist Aaron Cohen also is a good source. ¥ Which particles are most dangerous? Is size the critical Professor Suresh Moolgavkar (206-667-4273), a biostatis- factor in determining the harmfulness of particles, or is it compo- tician at the University of Washington, is a prominent skeptic of sition? What types of particles should the EPA focus on? These the dangers of particulates. are important issues, because the type of particles addressed George Wolff (313-556-7888), an atmospheric scientist at determines which industries will face tighter regulations. General Motors, chairs the Clean Air Science Advisory ¥ Is there a ÒsafeÓ level for particulates? Data suggest that Committee (CASAC), which is advising the EPA. even at the lowest levels, particulates cause harm to some people. Roger McClellan (919-558- 1202) is president of the If so, how will the EPA choose a ÒsafeÓ level for its standard? Chemical Industry Institute of Toxicology, and also is a member of the CASAC panel reviewing the particulate standard. Key Players John Bachmann (919-541-5359) is associate director for Professors Douglas Dockery and Joel Schwartz of the science and policy at EPAÕs Office of Air Quality Planning and Harvard School of Public Health (both at 617-432-1244) have Standards. He helped develop the current particulate standards conducted much of the pioneering epidemiological work suggest- and is working on their possible revision. ing the danger of particulates. They also work with Professor The American Lung AssociationÑwhich sued the EPA to Arden Pope (801-378-2157), an economist at Brigham Young revise its particulate standardsÑcontinues to follow the issue University. closely. The associationÕs PR person who deals with environ- Professors Morton Lippmann (914-351-2396) and George mental issues is Madhu Bhawnani (212-315-8846). Thurston (914-351-4254) of New York University also have con- ducted epidemiological studies of particulate air pollution. Professor Jonathan Samet (410-955-3286), an epidemiolo- David Baron is environmental reporter for National gist at Johns Hopkins University, is conducting an analysis of Public Radio.

First amendment...from page 2 (against it). These positions are accepted ing of banana bills and changing the first come to attend. If you canÕt be there but by the vast majority of Americans. amendment and sunshine laws iconve- have some suggestions for the board, However, since there is less consensus on niences us. Such legal actions also could please contact any of us. In addition, if environmental issues, civic journalism decrease the quality, timliness and accura- you have ideas for regional events or other appears to be more difficult to practice in cy of information reaching the public. SEJ programs, please step forward. This this arena. ThatÕs something we should org-anization is very open to members Despite our many different approach- denounceÑcompletely and loudly. who have good ideas and the energy to es, I think there are some issues on which The next SEJ board meeting follow through on them. all U.S. journalists can agree to take a is scheduled for Jan. 13 and 14 in Kansas SEJ is grateful to the Scripps stand. The First Amendment is one of City. A tentative agenda is posted in SEJÕs Howard Foundation of Cleveland, Ohio them. Government-in-the-sunshine laws members-only forum on America Online for ongoing support of SEJÕs regional pro- and the so-called banana bills are another. and has been circulated on our Internet gram. In 1995, Scripps Howard We should stand against the passage mailing list. The following board meeting Foundation funds helped make it pos- of banana bills and against changes to the is scheduled for March 23 and 24 in Ann sible for SEJ to offer conferences and first amendment and sunshine laws. We Arbor, Michigan. seminars in Atlanta, Los Angeles, and should take these stands not because pass- As always, SEJ members are wel- Washington, DC.

navigate several key environmental issues families. In the final chapter, he cata- Detoxing kidspace that can impact the health of children. logues other household hazards (such as KIDSAFE: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO Tyson first explains why children poisonous plants, cleaning products, art KNOW TO MAKE YOUR CHILDÕS may be more susceptible to the effects of supplies, and toys which may prove to be ENVIRONMENT SAFE various pollutants. Then he Book dangerous), and also includes a checklist by Rae Tyson discusses the possible health to Òsafe-proofÓ your home. Times Books $10.00 effects of exposure to lead, Review Kidsafe presents a non-alarmist, pesticides, electromagnetic fields, and air up-to-date discussion of the major Reviewed by KATHY SAGAN and water pollution. environmental threats to childrenÕs health USA TodayÕs environment editor Rae Most importantly, in each instance and safety. It is a valuable resource of Tyson offers a sensible, accessible hand- Tyson offers clear, practical advice and information on how to handle threats if book for parents (and others) on how to tips on what people can do to protect their they arise.

SEJournal, P.O.Box 27280, Philadelphia, PA 19118 Winter 1995 11 Freelancers Forum Freelancers fight for cyber-rights By CATHERINE DOLD to hand over every single right to resell electronic rights. In that case, says Been thinking about making a side or reuse their work, including the right to ASJA, itÕs best to limit the duration of trip into the world of freelance writing? publish their words on Mars or Venus in the license and to secure separate pay- Maybe youÕve been thinking about writ- media that have not even been invented. ment for each online use. For example, a ing a travel article based on your next Rarely is any additional compensation license could specify use of an article for vacation and selling it to a few newspa- offered. Some magazines have said, one year on an America Online forum or pers, or expanding a news story into a ÒGosh, we really wish we could pay World Wide Web site. larger magazine piece. Or maybe youÕve writers some extra money, but hey, In addition, make sure the contract even been thinking about tossing out the nobodyÕs making any money on this clearly states that the additional fee, whole salaried job and jumping into full- Internet thing yet, so just trust us and however it is calculated, is earmarked for time freelancing. give us all these additional rights for free electronic rights. It is not wise to simply Think twice before you take the now, and weÕll be sure to remember you take a higher overall fee to surrender plunge. As many SEJ members who later.Ó Sure. electronic rights, because that just rein- freelance regularly can attest, the pub- Many writers are fighting back. forces the idea that electronic rights are lishing world is going through some rad- Organizations that represent primarily no different than other rights. ical changes. The result of these changes freelance writers, such as the National DonÕt fall for the line from publish- is that a writerÕs hold on his ers that Òwe must have every or her copyright often is Writers who protest the terms of an offered article cleared for online use.Ó slashed to the bone. contract often are finding that a publication Electronic publishing arrange- In the era of the ments do allow publishers to Internet, freelance writers actually has two or three ÒstandardÓ contracts, include only selected articles. are being asked to sign over and speaking up can result in a significantly Many publishers also will every right short of handing better deal. claim that it is impossible at over their first-born chil- this time to track the number dren. Only rarely are they of electronic ÒhitsÓ on your arti- offered additional money for those Writers Union (NWU) and the American cle or the number of reprints that are rights. Many writers also have found Society of Journalists and Authors faxed out. That may be true in some that their older articles, to which they (ASJA) are monitoring the markets and cases, but the situation is changing fast. clearly own the copyright, have been urging their members to request specific Two new systems for tracking and com- uploaded to various electronic sites changes in contracts. pensating writers for additional uses of or commercial ventures and are being The ASJA advises writers to watch their work recently were established by used and sold without permissionÑ out for several common tactics and the NWU and ASJA. or compensation. phrases in contracts. The worst type of One of these systems, the Traditionally, freelance writers sold contract is Òwork for hire,Ó which means Publication Rights Clearinghouse, was only Òfirst North American serial rightsÓ that the publisher owns all the work you launched last June by NWU and the to their articles. That meant the publisher do under that contract. Period. Just as CARL Corporation. In recent months had the right to use the article once and bad is the Òall rightsÓ contract, in which many writers had been shocked to find only once. All other uses of the articleÑ you theoretically own the copyright, but that CARL was selling their copyrighted such as in an anthology or as a reprint in you have sold all future uses of that work via their UnCover fax-on-demand another publicationÑwere negotiated material to the publisher. Selling all the service (accessible by telnet at separately, and usually resulted in addi- rights is fineÑ as long as you actually database.carl.org). According to tional money for the author. No longer. sell them, and they are not just taken as UnCover, it has a database of about 17 A typical magazine or newspaper con- part of the fee you are paid for the first million articles, and usually collects tract today might say something like, use of the work. All uses beyond the about $11.50 per article (which included Òfirst world publication rights plus, for Òfirst print publicationÓ rights should be a $3 Òcopyright feeÓ). Authors never saw no additional compensation, the right to licensed separately and compensated that money, and even some publishers distribute the article in any form or by separately, says the ASJA. didnÕt know that their magazines were any means, including, but not limited to, The preferred means of compensa- being offered on the service. print, electronic, CD-ROM, microfilm, tion for additional rights is a share of The Clearinghouse aims to solve microfiche, and any other form whether revenue generated by your work. Just as that problem. It will clear the copyrights known now or developed hereafter, in the case of traditional reprint rights, and also distribute royalties to writers throughout the universe.Ó the publisher should be willing to split from the fax orders. Enrollment in the If these contracts werenÕt such egre- the revenue derived from electronic Clearinghouse is expected to be $20. It gious rights grabs, they would almost be rights. Some may offer a flat feeÑoften is not clear at this point whether funny. These magazines want freelancers a percentage of the original feeÑfor the non-enrolled writers would be

12 Winter 1995 SEJournal, P.O.Box 27280, Philadelphia, PA 19118 FreelancersÕ Forum able to collect fees through the Authors Registry, contact the Authors more than a few writers are saying, Clearinghouse. (For more information Guild at 212-563-5904.) ÒThanks, but no thanks. Call me when about the Publication Rights Remember that both of these services you are ready to pay for it.Ó Remember, Clearinghouse, contact the NWUÕs will be useless if you give away the elec- too, that even if you feel the need to sign National Office at 212-254-0279.) tronic rights to your articles for nothing a less-than-perfect contract, voicing your The other clearinghouse is the in the first place. Even if you donÕt plan objections now just might help to change AuthorÕs Registry, founded by the ASJA, to resell any of your articles, should oth- things in the future. the Authors Guild, and the Dramatists ers be profiting from your work, without To keep on top of this issue, a good Guild. The AuthorÕs Registry was formed giving you a cut? It pays to negotiate. resource is Contracts Watch. This free to centralize sublicensing of elec- Writers rarely get everything they want in electronic bulletin from ASJA has the tronic rights and other uses, says their contracts these daysÑbut compared latest news on contracts, detailing the ASJA. At its core is a directory to even just a few months ago, progress exactly what various magazines have of authors. Companies that want to has been made. been demanding in their contracts buy rightsto an article for electronic Many magazines that once held a and what writers have been able to use, foreign resales, or any other use can hard line on electronic rights are starting negotiate with those publications. contact the author of the article through to back down, realizing that they will lose To subscribe, send e-mail to: the Registry. their best writers unless they start paying [email protected]. The body of The Registry also will collect and for additional uses. Writers who protest your message should read: SUBSCRIBE distribute royalties for the use of some the terms of the offered contract often are ASJACW-L. secondary rights, such as by large data- finding that a publication actually has two base companies that routinely resell arti- or three ÒstandardÓ contracts, and speak- cles. More than a dozen writersÕ organi- ing up can result in a significantly better Catherine Dold is a Colorado-based zations representing more than 50,000 deal. Also, magazines that once tried to freelance writer who covers the environ- writers already have signed up with the commandeer the right to upload all your ment, science, and medicine for several Registry. (For more information about the old copyrighted material are finding that national publications.

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SEJournal, P.O.Box 27280, Philadelphia, PA 19118 Winter 1995 13 Commentary Corporations reluctant to comply? Some companies are striving to exceed regulations By WILLIAM D. RUCKELSHAUS tives and their contribution to an overall years since, concern about the environment It has long been an assumption in the bonus are agreed upon by senior manage- is one of the most enduring values in country that American corporations comply ment. They then are communicated to our America and one which elected officials with regulations, environmental and other- managers in the field. There is a great deal ignore at their peril. Concern about compa- wise, with great reluctance. We envision of deliberation that goes into determining niesÕ environmental records has moved them being dragged, kicking and scream- the weight of those components, and broad from regulatory agencies and the courts to ing, to the bar, doing only the minimum discussion with all managers takes place to the board rooms as corporations weigh the required under the law. ensure general agreement about the compa- environment as an important factor in any That may have been the case decades nyÕs priorities. There is an environmental business deal. Companies recognize envi- ago, but it no longer accurately reflects cor- component to our bonus structure that ronmental compliance is a key component porate America. Sure, there are still corpo- serves as a multiplier of the other bonus of future financial success. rate outlaws, but for companies such as the components. The issue of environmental compliance one I work for, Browning-Ferris Industries at a corporation is one more critical factor (BFI), basic compliance with environmental Commentary in the conduct of business that cannot be rules and regulations is just the starting ignored. Once environmental compliance is point. Exceeding those regulations is now In other words, if a manager does not treated with the same care, concern and part of our environmental management sys- achieve a certain level of compliance with attention as other more traditional functions tem. In fact, we strongly believe that meet- our environmental goals (which include, of of a corporation, such as cost control, train- ing societyÕs rules and regulations is part of course, compliance with both state and fed- ing, etc., we have succeeded. our license to do business. If we do not eral regulations), the multiplier is zero, and comply in a forthright manner, we lose the the manager receives no bonus, no matter permission granted to us by society or by a how well he or she may have done in William D. Ruckelshaus is president community to operate. For us, itÕs as simple achieving his or her other goals, including and chief executive officer of Browning- as that. financial goals, for the year. This provides a Ferris Industries in Houston, Texas. When we enter a new market overseas, powerful motivator, and ensures that our one of our first tasks is to determine exactly managers pay attention to our highest prior- what the regulatory requirements are that ities at BFI. Board...from page 3 the host country has established for compa- Another factor that keeps companies nies to conduct business there. We then like BFI focused on their environmental Herald, and often uses her bi-weekly editor- conform our business to meet those require- responsibilities is the practice of many cor- ial page columns to report on environment ments precisely. Again, we understand that porations not to do business with firms that issues that otherwise get limited play in the is what we must do to be permitted to oper- have a weak record of environmental com- Hispanic press. ate in that country. pliance. This practice stems from concern Amor is director of We believe companies should take that about a companyÕs reputation or future lia- training at the Center for same attitude when moving into a new mar- bility. More and more, companies are Foreign Journalists in ket or business line in this country. At BFI, reviewing the records of their suppliers Reston., Va. He previously we try to instill that kind of attitude in all before awarding them significant business. held a similar position with Amor our managers to ensure they understand the Compliance has become an important part the Press Foundation of rules and obey them completely. ItÕs a sim- of a companyÕs ability to compete in Asia in Manila and was deputy executive ple, logical way of looking at the regulatory todayÕs marketplace. editor of its news and features service. landscapeÑand it saves us a lot of trouble. The environmental record of compa- In addition to her pro- Critical to any environmental compli- nies throughout this country is getting fessorship at Brigham ance program is the structure created to increased scrutiny in the 1990s. This is not Young, Valenti is a fellow ensure that managers and employees are likely to diminish in the years ahead. When in the American motivated to meet their compliance goals. I was first administrator of the EPA in Association for the We believe we have created the right incen- 1970, one of my tasks was to convince Advancement of Science tives at BFI to do just that. ItÕs not the only American corporations that the environment and a elected member of way, but it works for us. was not a passing fad and that EPA was not the committee on Teaching Valenti Managers at BFI receive a substantial going to fade away in a few short years if Standards for the part of their annual compensation in the only companies dug in their heels and Association of Educators in Journalism and form of a bonus. Each year, bonus objec- resisted change. As we have seen in the 25 Mass Communications.

14 Winter 1995 SEJournal, P.O.Box 27280, Philadelphia, PA 19118 Conference In Boston: canÕt spoof it, eat it By DAVID HELVARG asked Dukakis what heÕd do if it was his a southern amphibian-although I think From Ants to ozone, sewage plants to planet that was being raped. heÕd have a better chance working with a politicians (and other forms of nutrient Lunch was served in MITÕs chimp than a Newt. loading), the fifth annual SEJ Conference cavernous gym (site of some fiercely That evening, the Clinton Adminis- at MIT was perhaps the best in years in competitive robot wars), accompanied by tration, responding to three years of terms of scale, scope, and worry-free trav- a haunting, tonal performance piece by student protests to ÒFree Al Gore,Ó sent el deductions (especially for those who someone from the UN. the Vice President to speak to the confer- toured the wastewater treatment plant). I attended an afternoon panel on ence (after a few security frisks to make On my arrival, I was tempted to visit the oceans where the principles of sure nobody was packing any Freon). the Harvard Experimental Forest in modern fisheries practice were ex- After a few warm-up jokes, Al gave order to see the autumn foliage mat- plained, ÒSorry Charlie...Oh what the a stem-winding campaign speech in riculate. However, I opted instead for hell, weÕll take you and that tumorous which he accused the Republican congress the Woods Hole tour where they gave dogfish and, what is thatÑa turtle? A of practicing Òdevastation with mis-repre- out free Alvin pens (the submarine, not radial tire? Hell, with enough tarter sauce, sentationÓ (a bit of Jesse Jacksonization the endangered chipmunk). On this without accreditation). Gore also made tour, I was told that, Òda clams in da Satire a convincing case for saving the rainfor- hahba will soon be ready for Harvard.Ó est by exhibiting half of it on stage ÒBrilliant bivalves,Ó I commented, before whoÕs gonna notice.Ó with him. our translator explained that Òthe Small group meetings with fashion- SundayÕs whale watch tour was clams in the harbor will soon be ready ably jackbooted Carol Browner and moved to the New England aquarium for harvestÓ. Clean-Water Canoeist Bruce Babbitt reas- when tour organizers figured that given That evening, we had our first recep- sured us that even though the 104th the rough winds and waves the only tionÑwith plastic plates, domestic beers Congress has eliminated all funding for spewing seen that day would have been and a buffet based on the principle that alternative energy, thereÕs still plenty of the SEJers. you canÕt objectively report on any animal conventionally heated air and old-fash- I myself went to the Walden Pond you havenÕt eaten. ioned boilerplate in Washington. state complex where Thoreau developed I must have had a few too many Being a double winner of the his theories on simplicity. First, we Sam Adams, though. In the morning, I Browner/Babbitt lottery, I missed out on checked out the boulder pile remains of had this weird hallucination with Michael a plenary session in which TV reporter the cabin where he wrote Walden , and Dukakis on stage at MITÕs Kresge and regulatory critic John Stossel demon- then adjourned to the grand-elegant Auditorium pretending to be Phil strated what happens when you eliminate Thoreau Center (which he must have Donahue, while a CNN Òpeople on the all command and control. bought after selling the movie rights). streetÓ interview tape was drowned out by The annual SEJ business meeting Standing by the edge of Walden Pond the marimba band on its soundtrack. involved some debate over whether that afternoon-with the leaves changing The opening session finally settled freelance reporters who also worked for color, watching ducks and cormorants down with the results of a Times-Mirror advocacy groups should hold full mem- splashing about in the brisk, clear waterÑ poll that found Ò69 percent of Americans berships. One side argued that people I was reminded once again why I donÕt say that environmental protection and working for advocacy groups lack the cover hazardous waste issues. economic development can go hand-in- professional objectivity of, for example, Still, I have to admit that after last hand,Ó while 28 percent of Americans broadcast journalists working for GE, yearÕs scenic Sundance conference, and think these issues go hand-in-foot, and Westinghouse, Disney, or Rupert this yearÕs intellectually brawny MIT three percent insist they go hand-in-hoof Murdoch. The other side argued that, conference, IÕm looking forward to next (animal rights activists, no doubt). A sur- given industry trends, freelancing was yearÕs centrally redundant conference prising 81 percent of respondents said the wave of the future; many a good story at Washington University in St. Louis, they were uncertain if the environment can be found while collecting used cans a site noted primarily for its centrality. pre-dated O.J., while 51 percent said they and papers at three in the morning. Oh, St. Louis where the mighty thought media coverage of the environ- Naturalist E.O. Wilson gave a blatant- Mississippi meets the Army Corp ment focused too much on animals, veg- ly insectocentric talk on biodiversity of Engineers under half a McDonaldÕs etables, and minerals. at lunch, failing to point out that no ant Logo. Another easy travel deduction. Such confusion was also reflected or termite ever prepared yellow tapioca among the panelists. Former U.S. Senator for 500-or developed a family of chemi- Malcolm Wallop, for example, mixed up cals that could protect tomatoes from Author and TV producer David Carol BrownerÕs EPA with the National infestations while simultaneously getting Helvarg actually won a fellowship to go to Weather Service when he asked her about male alligators to reject patriarchy. He MIT and dis the conference. How are her Òstorm troopers.Ó Thankfully no one did say something about trying to educate those judges selected anyway?

SEJournal, P.O.Box 27280, Philadelphia, PA 19118 Winter 1995 15 Conference

Sparks fly...from page 1 making environmental issues seem either many of the problems. Such topics as clean to say,Ó Stossel responded. Stossel said that worse (35 percent) or better (16 percent) than air, she said, now have so many nuances that he might no longer be a journalist in the tra- they really are. it is much harder for the press to explain and ditional sense, but is now a reporter with a Accompanied by an anecdotal video of the public to grasp. However, Malcolm perspective. person-on-the-street interviews, the poll Wallop, a former Republican senator from A scientific counterpoint to the morning served as the backdrop for a panel moderated Wyoming and now a Heritage Foundation session was provided during a luncheon by former Massachusetts governor and presi- Distinguished Fellow, pulled no punches in address by Edward O. Wilson, the Harvard dential candidate Michael Dukakis. He set blaming the media for sending one-sided biologist and acclaimed author of The the tone by telling the audience, ÒI donÕt messages to the public. As if to illustrate the Diversity of Life and other books. He pointed think youÕre reporting the story.Ó Noting that zone where rhetoric substitutes for informa- out that less than 20 percent of the estimated he had seen and read a lot about Medicare, tion, he referred to ÒCarol BrownerÕs storm 10 million species of the earthÕs flora and but almost nothing about the congressional troopsÓ going into Wyoming. fauna have been identified. ÒThis is a poorly assault on the environment, Dukakis asked, In another conference plenary session known planet,Ó he remarked. ÒWhat the hell is going on?Ó titled ÒEnvironmental Journalism Ethics: Are An evening speech by Vice President Al For the next two hours, using the same We Scaring the World to Death?Ó ABC 20- Gore drew a large crowd, but generated little witty, provocative approach he honed as 20 reporter John Stossel (whose special two news. MITÕs Kresge auditorium was packed moderator of a popular public television pro- years ago raised the scare question) offered with SEJ conference attendees, MIT stu- gram called The Advocates, Dukakis lithely no apologies for his message. After showing dents, and members of the local mediaÑall refereed a non- linear discussion among the a video clip of the programÕs opening, of whom had waited in a long line outside nine panelists. Several offered their interpre- Stossel argued his case with microphone in the building for nearly an hour before the tations of the poll results. handÑonce shoving it into the face of fellow Secret Service allowed them in (two at a Nationally syndicated columnist Ellen panelist Ellen Silbergeld in ambush-inter- time, with polite but thorough searches). Goodman commented that public opinion view fashionÑwhile suggesting that he was Gore demonstrated his concern for the polls are conducted Òin an information-free one of few journalists gutsy enough to chal- environment by using recycled jokes about zoneÓ in which reporters provide the public lenge conventional environmental wisdom. his stiffness, and by having the stage decorat- with propaganda and opinion from both Washington Post reporter Gary Lee, ed with a rainforest. Most of his speech was sides, but not the facts. People, she said, are another panelist, prompted some personal devoted to an attack on the Republican bud- left skeptical and confused. ÒThey donÕt concessions from Stossel by asking about the get, with emphasis on proposed cuts to the know what to do and when they donÕt know tens of thousands of dollars in speakerÕs fees EPA, and attempts to weaken environmental what to do, they recycle.Ó she said. that Stossel has received from the chemical legislation and regulations through budget EPA Administrator Carol Browner said industry and others, and whether, consider- riders. However, he proved fairly knowl- the change in views shows continued strong ing his open advocacy, Stossel still consid- edgeable and articulate during the brief ques- support for environmental laws, but Òreflects ered himself to be a journalist. ÒIndustry tion-and-answer period that followed. the progressÓ that has been made in tackling likes to hire me because they like what I have The conference included panels on a Photo by Charlotte Kidd Frank McDonald (right), Irish Times, was among the journalists questioning Vice President Al Gore.

16 Winter 1995 SEJournal, P.O.Box 27280, Philadelphia, PA 19118 Conference

wide range of topics. By and large, atten- pie.ÕÕ The result: violent confrontations on Another well-received panel was devot- dance of these panels was good, and mem- the high seas, higher seafood prices, and dis- ed to conflicts between scientists and envi- bers found them thought-provoking and use- ruptions of marine ecosystems. Two recent ronmental journalists. ÒWhy Does it Often ful. One example was the panel on fisheries, proposalsÑa U.N. treaty and the reautho- Seem WeÕre at War?Ó addressed a common titled ÒInternational Sea Wars: Fighting for rization of the Magnuson ActÑcould help goal of most scientists and journalists: trying the Last Fish,Ó which was moderated by fish stocks recover. However, prospects still to understand the planet. NewsdayÕs Dan Fagin. are murky for the habitats in which fish live. Some of the conflicts between these This panel included four fisheries Off the coast of Louisiana, nutrient pollution professions have to do with unprepared jour- experts. One of these, Michael Sutton of the from the Mississippi river has helped create a nalists, according to David Marks, director of World Wildlife Fund, said that since fish Òdead zoneÕÕ of oxygen-depleted water in the M.I.T.Õs Program of Environmental stocks are dwindling worldwide, coastal Gulf of Mexico, according to Paul Coriel, a Engineering, Education and Research. nations and fishing fleets are clashing Òover wetlands specialist with Louisiana State Mentioning that he often had been Òsound- smaller and smaller slices of a shrinking University. bitten,Ó Marks said that some reporters want to be educated on complex subjects in 15 minutes or less. Many of the universityÕs sci- entists refer to calls from journalists as Òincoming,Ó he said, alluding to artillery fire. Heidi Hammel, another M.I.T scientist, noted the two-way street of communications between scientists and journalists. She said that scientists worry that a reporterÕs use of quotes will make them Òlook stupidÓ to their peers, that scientists dwell on details and donÕt understand the content of news stories for laypeople, and that some scientists donÕt want to be understood. ÒScience is a very serious business, so you have to speak about it seriously,Ó said Hammel, whose presenta- tion was liberally sprinkled with humor. Both the scientists and journalists on the panel agreed that good information about environmental science depends on getting independent, unbiased judgments and studies from scientists. Reductions in federal financ- ing of basic science and increasing depen- dence on industry dollars are of particular concern. ÒThere does seem to be a strong correlation between whoÕs paying the bill and what comes out,Ó Marks said. Once again, sessions on computer- assisted reporting had much to offer SEJ members (most of whom have little if any experience in the online world) and other conference attendees. More than 100 people took advantage of three tracks of sessions that provided training in computer-assisted reporting and the use of the Internet. Despite some scheduling errors and the usual telecommunications glitches, many of those who attended said the sessions were worth- while. Similar sessions are planned for next yearÕs national conference in St. Louis. In one of MITÕs splendidly equipped computer labs, Russell Clemings of the Fresno Bee and Miguel Llanos of the Seattle

Photo by Charlotte Kidd Times took attendees on a guided tour of Conference chair David Ropeik (right) with Vice President Al Gore. SEJÕs Environmental Journalism Home Page (http://www.sej.org) on the World Wide

SEJournal, P.O.Box 27280, Philadelphia, PA 19118 Winter 1995 17 Conference Web. Meanwhile, in another room, Jennifer Lafluer and Brant Houston from the National Institute for Computer-Assisted Reporting (NICAR) set up laptop PCs and gave hands-on lessons in how to use database and spreadsheet software to analyze environmental data. Here, journalists learned about using these powerful tools to analyze reams of regulatory data, using a real-life database of Wisconsin hunting accidents. The duo from NICAR also made suggestions about what kinds of databases lend themselves to eye-popping environmental stories. Next door, SEJ board member Amy Gahran introduced Internet newbies to the mysteries of electronic mail, with an emphasis on SEJÕs fledgling Òlistserv,Ó where members Bay State Banner can exchange tips and discuss environmental issues. She also gave tips on tasks that most Internetters only master after arduous trial- and-error, such as how to successfully transfer files over the ÔNet. Photo by Yawu Miller, Amid all the sessions, panels, luncheons, Robert Bullard, (left) Director of the Environmental Justice Resource tours, and schmoozing, one of SEJÕs fundrais- Center at Clark Atlanta University, discusses urban environmental ing efforts netted $1,700 for the group: a silent justice issues during a tour to some of BostonÕs large toxic waste sites. auction, managed by Sara Thurin Rollin of BNAÕs Chemical The hottest item of the auction (a Hard Rock Cafe tee shirt, auto- Regulation Reporter. graphed by Billy Joel, Don Henley, Elton John, Neil Young, and Sheryl Crow) drew 13 bids and sold for $130. An autographed copy of Mario MolinaÕs paper describing his theory that CFCs would deplete the stratospheric ozone layer sold for $105. Molina and his co- authors recently won the Nobel Prize in chemistry for that paper. Three vacation trips also spawned a lot of bidding interest from con- ference goers. The same few people kept trying to out bid each other for the weekend at Sundance, Camping on Sapelo Island, and a 10- day geology trek. Those three items alone raised $760. Behind the scenes, Secretary of the Interior Bruce Babbitt was turned away from the luncheon and lecture by E.O. Wilson on Saturday because he didnÕt have his lunch ticket. Without a hint of indignation, Babbitt and his team made other arrangements for lunch, lauding the ticket-taker for doing her job well. The Heroic Panelist Award goes to Richard Rhodes, who was scheduled to appear on the Writers on Writing panel on Sunday at Thoreau Institute. He called SEJ board member Mike Mansur to say thereÕd been a glitch: his private plane had crashed. No one was hurt, but heÕd be late, since he had to rent a car and drive. (Okay, he wasnÕt in the plane when it crashed, and he didnÕt climb out of the wreckage, crawl to the nearest phone booth, call for a rental car and point it toward Cambridge. But the conference staff said they really appreciat- ed the extra effort he made to get there.

Contibuting to this peice were SEJ members Russ Clemings, Fresno Bee, Marla Cone, Los Angeles Times, Amy Gahran, E Source, Stuart Leavenworth, Raleigh News-Observer, Sara Thurin- Rollin, Chemical Regulation Reporter, and Chris Rigel, SEJ staff. It also contains excerpts from a piece Len Ackland of the University of Colorado,wrote for Sciphers, the newsletter of the Association for Photo by Bruce Robertson Education in Jounralism and Mass Communication (AEJMC). Columnist Alton Chase with author Bill McKibben.

18 Winter 1995 SEJournal, P.O.Box 27280, Philadelphia, PA 19118 Conference Ghost of SEJ conference yet to come? Transcript of an oral essay, delivered contented itself for the most part with was that the most profound sorts of envi- as part of a panel on ÒEnvironmental uncovering these small threats and debating ronmental damage came not from small History: Past, Present, and Future,Ó an their significance. mistakes around the margins and the edges, event of SEJÕs fifth national conference, You must remember that among our but (most powerfully and most importantly) Sunday, October 29, 1995, at Thoreau audiences, and among most citizens at the from processes that seemed on their face to Institute. time, on their list of priorities the environ- be the very stuff of normal society. They ment ranked somewhere below basketball simply were occurring at such a high vol- By BILL MCKIBBEN (but perhaps above bowling) as a cause of umeÑand so quicklyÑthat the earth could I decided I would cast this in the form interest and concern. There was an occa- not sustain them. of a report some 50 years hence at a future sional sense of foreboding that animated Of course, the warmingÑthe warm- meeting of SEJ. So imagine that the year is our work. Our first true environmental ingÑwas the most obvious and the most 2045ÑThe 50th convention of the Society politician (Albert Gore) had urged, for profound. of Environmental Journalists. Some of you There was a regular sense of crisis to may have already done the quick calcula- Essay our work in those years, as it turned out that tion in your headsÑthis should be the 55th in fact we really had reached certain limits. convention. But youÕre forgetting the five instance, that environment needed Not all of the pinches came in the places years of travel restriction in the early 21st to become the central organizing principle where we expected. Food prices, for century, the so-called ÒNo GoÓ era. of the future. However, even heÑin his instance, increased swiftly at times after ...As the oldest surviving (and still single term in officeÑshowed very little long periods of droughtÑespecially as lucid) member of this organization, I have sign that he was organizing his own life growing populations turned surplus grain been called upon to give you a short his- in this way. supplies into mere pipeline amounts exquis- tory of our brotherhood, familiar in its out- There was an oft-repeated truism that itely vulnerable to any disruption (even line to you all, of course. Perhaps I can also some of those who spoke at those early con- temporary ones). add a slight bit of nuance to this Of course, as always in accountÑsome sense of what if You must remember that among our audi- history, those shifts and insta- felt like to live through it. ences, and among most citizens at the time, on bilities in food prices led to Thinking back 50 years I am their list of priorities the environment ranked deep political instability. struck by the sense of antiquity somewhere below basketball (but perhaps above Extreme events, including that surrounds that earlier era. To bowling) as a cause of interest and concern. extreme meteorological events, give you just one small example, became more and more com- the majority of our colleagues at mon. Eventually, every phe- that time worked in the medium of print! ventions engaged in: that we had 10 years nomenon was blamed on some environmen- Their work is preserved in SEJÕs museum. in which to solve our environmental prob- tal outrage. ÒIt's the damn greenhouse You will be struck even more when I lems (or else face some unspecified disas- effect!Ó replaced the older ÒWe need the tell you that at the time, though our Society ter). Since people had been saying this for rain!Ó as an elevator greeting. was a lively one, the environment was perhaps 20 years, almost all of us were The environmental movement was a largely peripheral concern. The world taken aback when it actually turned out to transformed too, of course, since everyone still viewed itself primarily through an eco- be true. became an environmentalist in some way. nomic prism, and decisions were made Looking back at the archives, perhaps There was no more real need for an about issues of policy based on the answer the year 1995 is as good as a starting point Audubon Society than there had been for an to the question, Òis this good for the growth as any for the dawning of the new and dark- Adam Smith Club in an earlier era. of our economy or not?Ó Environmental er era weÕve spent most of our professional Of course there were many, many specialists were concerned about what lives inÑthat was in fact the warmest year shades of opinionÑranging from those who seemed at the time a large, but limited, set on record, to date. This meant that all 10 of sought salvation through technology to of problems. We reported on what we the warmest years on record had occurred those environmentalists of an earlier age thought were mistakes in an otherwise rea- in a 15-year stretch of time. It was a year (on the more radical fringe) who found sonably sound system. that saw the then-unprecedented list of hur- themselves always pushing for decentraliza- In fact, in those early years we spent ricanes (extending well into the SÕs or TÕs tion, for smaller-scale solutions, for much of our time debating the question of of the alphabet). Today, we donÕt find increased self sufficiency, for a retreat from whether people were making more progress uncommonÑbut at that time it was strange, the extreme globalization of trade (and than regress; whether the problems that the almost startling. of culture) that had marked the end of the country was solving would outnumber the Our stories were transformed. In retro- 20th century. ones that would arise. The organization spect, a key realization (the key realization), (Continued on page 23)

SEJournal, P.O.Box 27280, Philadelphia, PA 19118 Winter 1995 19 Conference 1995 conference: members talk back By JAY LETTO topics as new board members, Browner Republican Congressional leaders, Three main points are evident talk, Gore challenge to GOP, E.O. Governors, and Presidential candidates to from compiling attendeesÕ evaluations Wilson comments on Gingrich, airborne our event. Indeed, the Friday afternoon from the `95 conference. All of these particulates, Times-Mirror poll, electric plenary ÒWhatÕs New in Washington?Ó points have also been true of previous cars, fisheries, and Òscaring the world to was supposed to a platform for the candi- SEJ conferences): death.Ó If this can be extrapolated to the dates and/or Congressional leaders. The ¥ In general, the 1995 conference full attendance (which might be a reach), candidates, all of whom were invited, garnered rave reviewsÑas did gave various excuses for past conferences. SEJ members just canÕt seem to get enough not attending. Speaker of ¥ Networking continues the House Newt to be cited as the most impor- time to schmooze at our conferences. At `94Õs Gingrich was seriously tant and attractive aspect of Utah conference, attendees reported over and over considering attending for our conferences. that they want more time to network. several months, but ¥ Reactions to particular eventually turned us speakers, panels and other down owing to a schedul- sessions, and tours, are so varied that one than perhaps as many as 150 stories were ing conflict. Finally, the countless simply cannot categorize the opinion of filed from the `95 conference. Majority leaders and committee chairs our membershipÑit is much too diverse. Of the 31 respondents, 26 wrote we invited turned us down, they said, SEJ members just canÕt seem to get glowing comments under the basic evalu- because of the impending budget debate. enough time to schmooze at our confer- ation question, including: ÒArray of Their collective absence was probably ences. At Ô94Õs Utah conference, atten- speakers superb;Ó ÒAnother well- the conference organizers biggest disap- dees reported over and over that they planned, informative and dynamic con- pointment. want more time to network. So, for Ô95, ference;Ó ÒSession topics were a good In an effort to compensate for this we built in half-hour breaks between the balance between hard factual stuff and hole, we pursued various conservative sessions (instead of the standard 15 min- subjective, philosophical topics;Ó ÒAs voices in the final days before the confer- utes), we left Friday evening open always, panels offered excellent ence and managed (at considerable (instead of talks or salons), we skipped overviews of the beatÕs major topics;Ó expense) to secure both LaVarr Webb, speakers on some of the tour buses, and ÒFantasticÑas an environmental reporter Deputy for Policy for UtahÕs Republican we scheduled two receptions for mem- at a small daily newspaper, this confer- Governor Mike Leavitt, and former bers to mingle. Still, in Ô95 attendees said ence was a wonderful opportunity to rub Republican Senator Malcolm Wallop. that this was not enough! shoulders with the best in the biz;Ó and Attendees really liked E.O. HereÕs a sampling of responses: ÒA good mix of indoor and outdoor ses- WilsonÑseveral named him as their ÒConnecting with renowned journalists sions, as well as topical and vocational favorite speaker. Comments included: and scientists the main attraction;Ó discussions.Ó ÒAn honor to hear him;Ó ÒGreat brain ÒFriday night freeÑdo that again;Ó Among the few complaints and food for lunch;Ó ÒI could listen to him for ÒNeed more time for socializing;Ó ÒNeed many general suggestions were: hours;Ó ÒThe high point;Ó ÒWonderful, more time to network;Ó and ÒGreat, ÒSomewhat disappointing compared wonderful, wonderful;Ó and ÒPleasure to but SEJ board should make more to previous years, as it was harder to listen to the Darwin of our century.Ó effort to introduce themselves in special- feel the conference coalesce;Ó On the other hand attendees were event situations.Ó ÒImpressed with caliber of speakers, really turned off by ABCÕs John Stossel, So, for 1996 in St. Louis, weÕve but want more practical workshops;Ó though most of them praised the session decided to forgo all keynoters, cancel the ÒNeed stronger moderators to main- he participated in (ÒEnvironmental plenaries, skip the concurrent sessions tain speakersÕ time limits and cut off Journalism Ethics: Are We Scaring the and tours, and simply have one big week- personal attacks;Ó ÒSkip large panels World to Death?Ó). Stossel elicited some end party. (Just kidding, of course.) and spread out the smaller work- seemingly emotionally charged negative However, we will try to accommodate shops;Ó ÒRepublicansÕ views needed to responses. In all, 21 respondents wrote the continuing request for more network- be represented;Ó ÒConference suffered about this session, 12 of them specifical- ing opportunitiesÑwhile at the same from lack of Hill staff and members ly blasting Stossel with comments such time providing a full, diverse, and worth- of Congress;Ó and ÒFar too heavily as, ÒI was almost `scared to deathÕ by while program. weighted with Democrats, need more John StosselÑa lively session on egos;Ó The SEJ office received 31 evalua- conservative voices.Ó ÒStosselÕs conduct was not appropriate;Ó tion forms (as of November 30) from The lack of political balance (miss- ÒStossel is an egomaniac with a pedestri- attendees of the `95 annual conference (a ing GOP and/or Congressional represen- an mindÑthe topic was good, but he more than five percent sampling of the tatives) was noted by several respon- didnÕt deserve the stage;Ó ÒI could have total attendance). Nine of them said they dents. Conference organizers worked done without StosselÕs personal attacks filed stories from the conference on such tirelessly in an effort to attract on other panelists;Ó ÒCertainly lively, but

20 Winter 1995 SEJournal, P.O.Box 27280, Philadelphia, PA 19118 Conference I didnÕt like StosselÕs attack on them (rather than PR people). The ÒWhat an eye-opener, give me more;Ó and Silbergeld;Ó and ÒStossel didnÕt seem like ÒGreenwashingÓ panel had the largest ÒUseful and a good chance to explore a nice manÑbut the exchange was audience of all the concurrent sessions whatÕs available.Ó provacative.Ó and received the most praise. We will All of the Walden Pond/Thoreau At least one attendee saw this session likely do a follow-up session on this topic Institute sessions were also quite popular. differently: ÒThe treatment of John next year. The CEOs panel also was high- We will probably have some similar ses- Stossel by the audience was the low point ly praised in the evaluations, though sions (authorsÕ panel and environmental of the conference. It was a good move by attendance was only about 50. history) next year. David Ropeik to apologize on the scene.Ó Audience size was very well dis- Finally, we just canÕt seem to find the The opening plenary, ÒThe Environ- persed among concurrent sessions this right time or format for the annual mem- ment and the Mood of America,Ó was year, with a high of about 100 in bership meeting. In past years we would well receivedÑwith 19 generally saying ÒGreenwashing,Ó a low of 25 in ÒNew save one of the late afternoons for the it was good, while four thought it was England FisheriesÓ and ÒBasic meeting, but found that many members bad. Most respondents liked the diversity Reporting,Ó and the rest of the sessions were Òmeetinged-outÓ by that time. This of views and the exchange between Carol attracting 40 to 80 attendees. This is year we tried early morning, but attracted Browner and Malcolm Wallop, and unlike past years, where some sessions possibly the worst attendance yet. Perhaps thought Michael Dukakis was a terrific would attract the bulk of attendees and next year weÕll offer free cocktails. moderator. However, several felt there other sessions were nearly empty. were too many panelists and a couple This yearÕs expanded computer ses- thought that the topic was not useful. sions were also very popular with atten- Jay Letto was the Coordinator of As in previous conferences, the tours dees. Comments include: ÒExcellent, I got SEJÕs 1995 national conference and pre- were popularÑalthough attendees would my moneyÕs worth attending these;Ó vious national conferences. He also is a like to be outdoors more, and to have SEJ ÒInvite NICAR back;Ó ÒGood handouts;Ó freelance writer and conference planner members and/or local reporters leading ÒAmy Gahran really knows her stuff;Ó based in White Salmon, Washington. Photo by Charlotte Kidd Secretary of the Interior Bruce Babbitt answeres questions during a small group session with reporters

SEJournal, P.O.Box 27280, Philadelphia, PA 19118 Winter 1995 21 Conference International journalists bring a IFEJers: tough perspective to Cambridge By DWIGHT WORKER even population growth. He answered, ÒWorld Bank policies.Ó MÕhammed Rebah writes a weekly environmental column Darryl DÕMonte of India voiced strong opposition to the for Le Matin in Alger, Algeria. What does he believe his major Montreal protocols on CFC reduction. He stated that the reduc- problem is? Is it getting enough column space, or editorial sup- tion schedule was weighted in favor of Òalready-industrializedÓ port, or even censorship? No. It is getting killed. In the last three countries. Manuel Satorre of the Philippines spoke articulately of years MÕhammed says that 40 journalists in Algeria have been how the International Bank of Reconstruction and Development killed by religious extremistsÑincluding four at his own paper. had financed ill-conceived projects during the Marcos era. He I was a Spanish and French translator for some of our inter- said that all that remains of many of these projects is environ- national journalists at the annual SEJ conference. I attended two mental devastation and massive international debt. international panels workshops and had some enjoyable and I often learned more from the international journalists after informative conversations with our guests. However, it seemed I the panels were over. They too were having difficulty getting never had enough time at our annual SEJ meetingÑbeing sur- published. rounded by so many wonderful people and with such interesting A woman from France said that she thought that news panels happening simultaneously. sources were eliminating full-time positions and using more free- In Romania, journalist Dan Stoica says that there is no lancers instead. equivalent of the Freedom of Information Act. Environmental Valentin Thurn of Germany helps produce an environmental journalists are censored and sued for reportingÑand they cannot program for public TV in Germany. He said that with the advent legally obtain information to defend themselves. Other East of private television in Germany, his program time has been cut European journalists said that just getting paid for their work is in half. There is pressure to compete with the Òentertainment for- an accomplishment. When I asked Mike Anane of The Triumph matÓ of private TV, and he must now sacrifice depth of coverage. (Ghana) what his most serious problems were, he did not men- Have we heard this before? tion the droughts, food shortages, migrations from the Sahel, or Masud Khan of Bangladesh said that the same news organi-

Cautious advice to U.S. environmental journalists Based on my experience from living overseas for over six At the SEJ conference, I heard two things that I think we all years, learning to speak several languages, and freelancing should be aware of. One SEJ member continued referring to international environmental pieces, I have some thoughts on our guests as ÒforeignÓ journalists. ÒInternationalÓ would have how American journalists can improve communicationsÑand been a more appropriate term. I also heard our members refer- relationsÑwith their colleagues from other parts of the world. ring to ourselves as ÒAmericansÓ in front of Central and South ¥ We should speak English slowly and distinctly, without American journalists. Are they not also Americans? Amongst using slang, idiomatic expressions, or difficult words. It is international company, I refer to myself as a ÔNorth AmericanÕ enough to ask of our guests to speak basic English. We cannot or a Òcitizen of the United States.Ó Central and South expect them to speak like us. Always imagine yourself in a Americans sometimes are offended at our expropriation of comparable situation. How would you be coping if everyone the term ÒAmerican,Ó although often they are too polite around you was speaking Spanish, or Russian? Also, keep in to mention it. mind that it is embarrassing for someone to say that they do ¥ We should be aware of, and accepting of, cultural differ- not understand what is being said to them. Therefore, do not ences. Cultures vary immensely. For instance, when I speak assume that our international colleagues automatically under- Swahili to an African man, we often hold hands. In sub- stand what we are saying, even if they nod their heads and say Saharan Africa, this is a proper show of friendship and broth- that they do. I make a habit of periodically asking whomever I erhoodÑit has none of the connotations that it would have in am with if they understand me. the U.S. However, to hold a womanÕs hand in public in rural ¥ It is vital that we learn other languages, and that our chil- Africa could be considered inappropriate. What universals can dren do too. International understanding is too important for us we apply for other cultures? Smiles, for one. Everyone recog- not to. I have found that when our guests discover a North nizes a smile and feels comfortable with it. There is no substi- American who actually speaks something other than English, tute for genuine curiosity about anotherÕs culture and country. they are pleasantly surprised. Taking the time to learn another Asking questions about anotherÕs home does wonders. You language is a way of saying to others that they are important. may be surprised at how much you will learn. It is my impres- International citizens often feel that we suffer from an extreme sion that Europeans generally know about 10 times as much case of mono-cultural and mono-lingual disease. The good about the U.S. as we know about them. With Africans, news is that, with some hard work, this is curable. Japanese, and Chinese, I would estimate this ratio to be one- ¥ We should be thoughtful when referring to nationalities. hundred to one.

22 Winter 1995 SEJournal, P.O.Box 27280, Philadelphia, PA 19118 Conference zations pay much less to Bangladesh citizens than they do to inter- nationals for the same work in his country. Here are some informal impressions that I heard from our international guests. One, they universally loved the trip to Woods Hole. They were fascinated by the science and the international cooperation, and enjoyed the intellectual level of MIT and of Cambridge in general. Several complimented the quality and avail- ability of the scientists on the panels. Many were honored that Vice-President Gore would show up. One was surprised that the visible security was not more intense. ÒAnd not a machine gun in sight!Ó she commented. The hors dÕoeurvres were good, the alcohol bad (and expensive), and the meals satisfactory. Unfortunately, the Boston area was very expensive! What complaints did I hear? One was about how we spoke English. Rapidly, in slang, and with the common U.S. assumption that everyone speaks like us (or ought to). A more serious com- plaint was about how few U.S. journalists attended the international sessions. At the International Journalists Roundtable, I counted only five people from the United States. Several journalists com- mented that this was sad, but typical of the U.S. mentality of just paying attention to our own affairs and thinking that we are the center of the universe. European journalists added that they also had a bad habit of just covering local issues. Perhaps the most serious complaint that I heard from the inter- national journalists came from those from what is called Òthe south.Ó Many said that first-world environmental programs did not consider third-world human problems of poverty and environmen- tal justice. Many felt that the journalists of the north were not acknowledging enough responsibility for the environmental dam- age inflicted upon them by multinationals and World Bank pro- grams. They were saying that we Òjust didnÕt get itÓ when it came

to their problems. Perhaps we have more to learn from our guests. Photo by Charlotte Kidd Louisa T. Molina (right), Nobel prize-winning research scientist in MITÕs Department of Dwight Worker, a member of SEJ, is a freelance journalist for Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences con- publications such as E Magazine, and also does shorts for NPR verses with Austrian journalist Michael and other radio programs. Lohmeyer of Die Presse.

Ghost...from page 19 Simultaneously, of course, we were forced the 50 years that saw maximum population, correspondents were to an earlier age. to take the rest of the world seriously for maximum toxic loading, maximum loss of A mixed blessing of course, because weÕve the first time. Environmentalism was forced ozone, maximum levels of extinction, and seen first hand the passing of to transform itself into an idea that dealt maximum combustion of fossil fuels. many things we would like not to have seen with the most profound issues of wealth and The question we still have not pass away. But for journalists, it of poverty. The W.T.P. (Wealth Transfer answered, the question that now dominates has been an exciting, powerful, and impor- Protocols) negotiated with China and India our work as environmental journalists, is: tant time. were at the heart of foreign policy concerns how severely did that half century of stress for more than a decade, once those coun- degrade our physical resources? And how tries realized that demographic power (not soon, if ever, will they bounce back to the Bill McKibben is a freelance writer to mention concentrations of coal reserves) levels we enjoyed when we first met as a and author. His work has appeared in The gave them un-trumpable bargaining chips. I professional organization. Atlantic, New York Times, Natural History, wonÕt bother you with the details, and as we It has been a bruising 50 years, and and Audubon. His books include The End get closer to the present day you know them we must content ourselves with the knowl- of Nature; Hope, Human and Wild; The anyway. edge that we had front-row seats Age of Missing Information; and The Suffice it to say that by now we have at the great historical epoch of our Comforting Whirlwind: God, Job and the come through the bottleneck, come through time, that we have been what the war Scale of Creation.

SEJournal, P.O.Box 27280, Philadelphia, PA 19118 Winter 1995 23 Online Bits & Bytes Listserv aids nonfiction writers Moderated list has over 500 subscribers in the first year By JON FRANKLIN things. All posts come to me, and I edit With the passage of time, I started When I was a young writer, it seemed them and post them to the list. getting compliments on the editorial qual- to me that the worst thing about my con- Our boilerplate welcome message ity of the listÑespecially the general dition was the isolation. Lip service aside, explains that Writer-L is devoted to the absence of messages that are childish, off few newspapers had more than one seri- discussion of feature writing, explanatory topic, or recreationally argumentative. ously committed writer, coaches generally journalism, literary journalism, and the Such comments often are accompanied by were considered to be remedial, and writ- high-level reportage that generally is questions about how much time I spend ersÕ groups usually were composed of associated with such writing. The obvious editing this stuff. folks who wanted to talk art. Even when advantage of a moderated list is that we The truth is, not much. The other we had a serious writersÕ group, as we donÕt get off the subject. We are probably truth is that no, in fact, I donÕt deny many once did on The Evening Sun, we were all the only list on the netÑand certainly the people the use of the forum. Occasionally at about the same level and nobody knew only journalistic listÑthat has basically I cut off a thread thatÕs gone on too long, the important secrets. ignored the OJ trial, the Oklahoma City or one thatÕs off topic. Not long ago, I So when the Internet evolved to the bombing, and the Unabomber. Very little took the hook to a line of discussion that point that writers started to get online of our discussion is about the Internet or had gotten us off into Zen and New Age (and I wanted an excuse to play with the computers. religion. machinery), establishing a writerÕs discus- So far, Writer-L has about 520 sub- For the most part, however, my pres- sion group seemed the natural thing to do. scribers. In first the year of its existence, ence here in the center of the web is all it Quality nonfiction writing is a craft the list has featured ongoing, in-depth, takes to keep folks focused. If I refuse to that requires serious studyÑthatÕs why and sometimes heated discussions on sub- post a message, I always explain my deci- few environmental journalists write jects ranging from cleaning up quotes to sion to the author. So far almost everyone as well as John McPhee. Professional the nature of journalistic accuracy and its has taken refusals in good grace. I only chemists, astronomers, and other relationship (if any) to truth. We have cri- recall one situation in which my refusal to scientific specialties all have had serious tiqued (and complained about) the current post an accusatory diatribe provoked real discussion listsÑso why shouldnÕt non- state of journalism, and have speculated acrimony in the other party. fiction writers? about its future. We had one long, heated Like the Internet itself, Writer-L is a The surprising thing about setting up discussion over the legitimacy of sports new medium unlike any with which IÕm an electronic discussion for nonfiction writing and whether the concept of familiar. It is like a magazine in some writers was how easy it was. I happened ÒliteratureÓ had anything to do with sub- ways, and in other ways it is not. It is to mention my embryonic idea to the ject matter. newspaperish, in that subscribers expect University of Oregon Journalism schoolÕs Along the way we have posted a to get it in their electronic mailbox every computer guy, Mick Westrick. The first number of high-quality (and some not-so- morningÑbut itÕs not a newspaper. thing I knew, I was explaining it to some- high-quality) examples of newspaper I do wish there had been something one over in the universityÕs computing journalism. One of these was a series like this for my generation. If nothing department. I mentioned that I might from The Oregonian about the drunk-dri- else, Writer-L makes it a lot less lonely name it something like ÒWriter-LÓ, which ving trial of a man who ran down and out there. at the time matched the conventional for- killed several people near Portland. These mat for discussion lists. posts, and the critiques they provoke, In hindsight, there must have been a make the various fragments of our profes- Jon Franklin is a journalism profes- thousand better names, but I thought all of sion stand out in sharp relief. To judge sor at the University of Oregon. He won this was theoretical. Then, suddenly, a from personal e-mail I get, a lot of writers two Pulitzer prizes while writing for The message came from the computer center value the glimpse Writer-L provides into Evening Sun in Baltimore, and is the that Writer-L was up, running, and ready the minds of senior journalists. author of Writing for Story. to do my bidding. Just like that, I was committed. Subscribing to Writer-L Writer-L is different from most To join Writer-L, please send your application, in the form below (including all of Internet discussion lists in that it is mod- the XÕs), to: [email protected] erated. Most lists are totally automated; members send what they want to post to In the body of your message, type only: the list address, where it is duplicated and Subscribe WRITER-L [email protected] sent out to all subscribers. Writer-L, how- XXXLastname, FirstnameXXX [email protected] ever, is moderatedÑit has a Òmaster of XXXThis block contains professional bio material for the subscriber list, to be made ceremoniesÓ sitting at the middle of the available to all subscribers. Provide no more than 3 lines. Please close with: XXX system, keeping a finger (or a thumb) on

24 Winter 1995 SEJournal, P.O.Box 27280, Philadelphia, PA 19118 Online Bits & Bytes New web sites provide free newsletter subscriptions By RUSSELL CLEMINGS ¥ The Island Press Eco-Compass: published monthly by Since the World Wide Web exploded into the public the well-known environmental press, Eco-Compass focuses consciousness about a year ago, new sites have appeared at the not only on web sites, but also via e-mail, Gopher, and com- rate of . . . well, nobody really knows the rate. LetÕs just say itÕs puterized environmental bulletin board systems. One recent very rapid. How can one keep track of the best of these new sites? issue had a section on the Oregon Land Use Information Center Here are two newsletters, available for free via electronic mail, (http://darkwing.uore gon.edu/~pppm/landuse/land_use.html) that can help guide you through the chaff: which was described as Òa virtual primer on effective land-use ¥ Internet Newsbrief: a weekly newsletter from the headquar- planning and growth management.Ó A section of each issue is ters library of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, pro- devoted to a single topic. A calendar of ecological events is also vides a sampling of new or useful Internet resources for EPA staff included. and other environmental professionals. Recent issues have To subscribe to The Island Press Eco-Compass, send e-mail focused on subjects covered in EPAÕs own sprawling web page to: [email protected]. In the body of your message type (http://www.epa.gov), as well as other government and private only: subscribe islandpress-l. Back issues are stored at the Island sites, such as a page on the ISO 14000 international environmen- Press web site: tal standards effort (http://www.iso14000.com). (http://www.islandpress.com). To subscribe to Internet Newsbrief, send an e-mail message to: [email protected]. In the body of the message type only: subscribe INTERNETNB-L followed by your first and Russell Clemings is environment writer for the Fresno (Ca.) last names. Bee, and recently was elected to the SEJ Board. He also con- (For example: subscribe INTERNETNB-L Russ Clemings) structed and manages SEJÕs web page.

first of many losses in the working-class corporate polluters. Real-life legal thriller neighborhood. What many saw as an But the Woburn case is unlike any A CIVIL ACTION alarming number of cancers began occur- Schlichtmann has ever tackled. In the end, by Jonathan Harr ring in adults as well as children. his prophecy proves accurate as the case Random House, 1995, $25.00 (hard cover) Eventually, the residents came to leaves Schlichtmann bankruptÑboth Reviewed by GEORGE HOMSY believe that hazardous waste from two financially and emotionally. On vacation, about a month before I nearby factories (owned by W.R. Grace A Civil Action is more than a thriller. read A Civil Action, I ripped my way and Beatrice Foods) had Harr sets out to indict the civil justice sys- through another lawyer book. That one migrated into the drinking Book tem. He believes the courts are lopsided in was a thrilling account of an attorney pros- water wells. Scientists would Review favor of the rich. The portrayal of that ecuting the toughest murder trial of his later claim that even families that drank inequity is the main source of tension in career. Despite its predictable ending, it bottled water were susceptible to the car- the book, as Schlichtmann goes up against was a page turner. Murder, treason, and cinogensÑwhich could enter the body huge corporations whose lawyers are high-level government corruption make for through pores in the skin during showers. respected professionals with large staffs exciting reading. However, proving that the companies and seemingly unlimited resources. But that was fiction. In reality, law- were to blame was difficult. Toxic pollu- The authorÕs emotional investment is yers (as most professionals) toil long hours tion is a complicated area of the law. As obvious. In the closing notes of the book, for few moments of excitement. Could a shown in A Civil Action, such cases drag Harr details the huge amount of time he writer make real-life law a thriller? on for years and breed scientific uncertain- spent with Schlichtmann and the Woburn Jonathan Harr did. The achievement is tiesÑwhich are quickly seized upon by families. He constructs a passionate case even more incredible given that his book lawyers eager to protect their clients. for the plaintiffs. ThatÕs not to say the focuses on a Superfund case in Woburn, (Incidentally, one goal of rewriting the fed- companiesÕ arguements are poorly present- Massachusetts. eral Superfund law is to limit the flow of ed. Harr, however, spends few words In the mid-1960s, the city of Woburn money to lawyers who, many people say, building the same kind of sympathy for the opened town wells G and H. At first, com- eat up the lionÕs share of cleanup funds.) corporations or their employees. plaints by residents about the taste of the Nevertheless, a lawyer is the hero of A A Civil Action , an exemplary piece of water were dismissed by city officials as Civil Action. Jan Schlichtmann is por- literary nonfiction, is a fast read in a style due to high mineral concentrations. Then, trayed as an attorney with a sense of jus- more environmental authors should emu- in the early 1970s, neighborhood children tice. At the time he takes the Woburn case, late. It weaves science and law into an edu- started getting leukemia. he is undefeated in the courtroom and cational (yet thrilling) narrative that will A Civil Action opens with young holds a record for the largest wrongful- keep you hooked from beginning to end. Jimmy AndersonÕs heart-wrenching story death settlement in Massachusetts history. of leukemia diagnosis. The Anderson fam- He believes the Woburn case can bring ily, who would play a prominent role in the him fame and fortune, as well as send George Homsy is a producer of infamy of the Woburn case, suffered the shock waves through the boardrooms of National Public RadioÕs Living on Earth.

SEJournal, P.O.Box 27280, Philadelphia, PA 19118 Winter 1995 25 Minutes Society of Enviromental Journalists Minutes of the fifth Annual Meeting ofthe membership of SEJ October 28, 1995 SEJÕs FIFTH ANNUAL MEETING, and Daily Environment Report, David made, and a few cases in which people held at Kresge Auditorium on the campus Ropeik of BostonÕs WCVB-TV, freelance have intentionally or unintentionally mis- of the Massachusetts Institute of reporter Nancy Shute and Angela represented themselves to be-come Technology, was called to order at 8:05 Swafford of the Miami HeraldÕs Spanish- members. Tyson said the board and staff a.m. by Emilia Askari, SEJ president. language edition. are reviewing the matter to determine the After welcoming comments, Askari For the first time, both academic and best way to keep the process consistent introduced SEJ Executive Director Beth associate members were able to elect and fair, while protecting the societyÕs Parke, who offered a briefing on the a non-voting board member to represent integrity. Tyson invited questions and financial and organizational health of each membership category. Those candi- comments. the society. Parke said the society was dates were also offered the opportunity Kris Thoemke, who serves on the very healthy but not wealthy, having oper- to make a two-minute statement. The board of the Outdoor Writers Association, ating reserves of six to nine months. candidates for the ex-officio position said his group requires a membership Many non-profit groups donÕt have the representing academic members were committee to act on each application and luxury of reserves, operating month-to- JoAnn Valenti of the Brigham Young has a process in which current members month. Of the societyÕs $300,000 annual University faculty and Amy Seirer, a can comment on the whether an applicant budget, one half is dedicated to the annu- student at Drake University and former deserves membership. Tyson noted that al conference. Parke noted that 60 per- SEJ staff intern. The only candidate SEJ bylaws offer due process, in which cent of the societyÕs funding comes from for the associate member position someone denied membership or switched grants from nonprofit foundations, and was Adlai Amor of the Center for to a different category can appeal the she is courting media companies for sup- Foreign Journalists. decision up to the Board of Directors. port. SEJ does not accept money from There were no bylaws amendments Removal of a member requires a vote of special interest groups of any type. She on the ballot. Ballots were distributed the board. A staff writer for South said that the organizationÕs monthly finan- using lists of members who had not voted Carolina Sea Grant, who did not offer his cial reports are available upon request to absentee. Each of the three membership name, said the line for Sea Grant staff any member. classes voted only for their own represen- and freelancers is fuzzy, and asked if SEJ Askari introduced Julie Edelson, one tatives. A volunteer election committee could consider the quality of someoneÕs of SEJÕs founders, who was departing the including Chris Rigel of the SEJ staff, writing to determine if someone was pri- board. She also recognized outgoing Perry Beeman of the Des Moines marily a journalist. Tyson responded that board member Wevonneda Minis. Both Register and Heather Dewar of Knight judging quality of writing would take the chose not to seek re-election. RidderÕs Washington Bureau then retired society down a dangerous path. Will Askari turned the floor over to Kevin to count the ballots. Nixon, former editor of E Magazine, said Carmody, board secretary, to conduct Vice President Rae Tyson opened a that under current criteria, SEJ might be the annual election. Because 80 active discussion about how the society deter- loosing people who are very good journal- members had cast absentee ballots, an mines membership eligibility and how it ists. Whitman Bassow of Tomorrow automatic quorum of 10 percent of deals with members and applicants who Magazine said 1. Everyone needs to the active membership (69 members) do not clearly meet membership criteria. remember that SEJ is not an accrediting existed for the board election. In the Tyson said that the societyÕs bylaws and organization. 2. The world will little event other matters requiring a quorum the board interpretation of them has not remember, once youÕre gone, whether were brought to the floor at the Annual changed since SEJÕs founding: that the you were an active or an associate mem- Meeting, there was an attempt to certify a board recently reaffirmed the foundersÕ ber of SEJ. 3. The SEJ Board needs to quorum, but it was determined by a show vision that SEJ is an organization of jour- be tough if it is to protect the integrity of of hands that only 59 active members nalists and educators and that, under the the organization, and must make clear were present. Carmody said that a quo- bylaws, any involvement in public rela- whatever it stands for. Stephen Wittman rum could be established if, tions activities makes someone ineligible of the Sea Grant program at the by a show of hands later in the meeting, for any category of membership. The gray University of Wisconsin said that as 10 or more active members were among area, Tyson said, involves the associate employees of a public university, Sea the latecomers. category, which was created to allow Grant staff are not allowed to take sides Candidates for the regular seats on membership by freelancers and others in a partisan debate, and for most, their the SEJ Board of Directors were intro- who might not derive the majority of their public relations functions, like giving duced and given two minutes to make income from journalism, but whose contri- tours, are incidental to their journalistic candidacy statements. The nine candi- bution to the public discourse warrants work. Tyson concluded the discussion by dates were Russ Clemings of the Fresno their participation in SEJ. The criteria for stating that one of the reasons SEJ is Bee, Marla Cone of the Los Angeles associate membership was intentionally reviewing the matter so carefully is the Times, Bowman Cox of Pasha left somewhat vague, with decisions on dilemma posed by the duties of the Sea PublicationÕs Defense Cleanup newslet- applications to be made by the member- Grant staff. ter, Erin Hays of ABC News, Gary ship committee or its designee. Tyson Carmody conducted another show of Polakovic of the Riverside (Calif.) Press- said that a review of the membership has hands to certify a quorum. It confirmed at Enterprise, Sara Thurin Rollin revealed some inconsistency in the way least 10 of the latecomers to the meeting of BNAÕs Chemical Regulation Reporter some of those decisions have been were active members, and a quorum was

26 Winter 1995 SEJournal, P.O.Box 27280, Philadelphia, PA 19118 Minutes Calendar JANUARY so certified. Askari opened to floor to member 24-27. Annual Ecological Farming Conference. Asilomar, CA. Contact: Committee for comments, other business and Sustainable Agriculture, PO Box 838, San Martin, CA 95046-0839. Ph: (408) 778-7366. announcements. Paul MacClennan of the Buffalo News said the society had 31. Air and Water: 25 Years of Environmental Protection in New York City (spon- grown to the point that there is a need sored by the NYC Dept. of Environmental Protection, Council on the Environment of for a system of better overall account- NYC and Assoc. of the Bar of the City of New York). New York, NY. Contact: Assoc. ability for society affairs. He said he of the Bar. Ph: (212) 382-6724. would like to have the society distribute a list of board member attendance and FEBRUARY information on when terms expire. He said he was pleased to hear about the 1-3. International Symposium on Deep Shelf Fisheries (with sessions on the status of availability of monthly financial state- deep stocks and the need to manage them). Miami, FL. Contact: John Merriner or ments, but was concerned by the use Jennifer Potts, conference organizers, National Marine Fisheries Service, SEFSC, color-coded badges at the conference. Beaufort Laboratory, Beaufort, NC 28516. E-mail: [email protected] Adam Glenn of Tufts University thanked the board for producing what 4-6. InternatÕl Waterfowl Symposium (sessions on status and outlook for America's Glenn termed a uniformly superb con- waterfowl, and on species management in context of how wetlands are protected). ference, but he expressed concern Memphis, TN. Contact: Mickey Heitmeyer, Institute for Wetland and Waterfowl Research, about the loss of social time on Ducks Unlimited Inc., 1 Waterfowl Way, Memphis, TN 38120. Fax: (901) 758-3850. Saturday night Stewart Leavenworth of the Raleigh News & Observer praised 5-16. Habitat II Prepcom (third preparatory committee meeting for the next major UN the conference quality, but expressed environment conference, which will focus on human settlements, June 3-14 in Istanabul, concern about conferences being Turkey). New York City, NY. Contact: U.S. Network for Habitat: Ph: (202) 879-4286. more expensive to attend each year. Alternate contact: the United Nations: Ph: (212) 963-4200; Fax: (212) 963-4556. Carmody said that the 1996 conference at Washington University in St. Louis 8-13. Annual Meeting: American Association for the Advancement of Science (ses- would offer low-cost air connections sions on farmland preservation, stratospheric ozone depletion by halogens, loss of biodi- from many parts of the county and versity, global change and coral reefs, and analyses of health and enviro risks from radi- lodging at about half the cost in Boston. ation contamination in Chelyabinsk, RussiaÑthe most radioactively contaminated city Gary Lee of the Washington Post com- in the world). Baltimore, MD. Contact: Ellen Cooper, AAAS, 1333 H St. NW, Wash- ington, DC 20005. Ph: (202) 326-6440; Fax: (202) 789-0455; e-mail: [email protected] plimented the organization for way the conference fosters camaraderie among 13-14. Corporate Environmental, Health, and Safety Conference (sponsored by journalists from across the nation and Arthur D. Little and the Conference Board). Planned sessions: how industry managers world. Board member Amy Gahran said can break down the "green wall" so executives can understand the business benefits of the society owed a lot to Russ good enviro management; examining where government, industry, and the public have Clemings for his work in setting up not found common ground and what executives can do about it; and measuring a compa- some of SEJÕs online services, includ- ny's return on investments in environmental, health, and safety programs. New York ing the web page, and for coordinating City, NY. Contact: Carol Courter, Conference Board, 845 3rd Ave., New York, NY the computer-training programs at the 10022. Ph: (212) 339-0232; Fax: (212) 980-7014; e-mail: [email protected] conference. Carmody announced that the elec- 19-21. Annual Winter Toxicology Forum (with sessions on EPA views on Delaney tion committee had not completed its Cause reform, status of pesticide-reform legislation, toxicity analyses on the MTBE tabulations and the results of the elec- gasoline additive, and FDA's position on assessments of in utero exposures to carcino- tions would be announced during the gens). Washington, DC. Contact: Charlene A. Petty, Toxicology Forum, 1575 Eye St. luncheon featuring E.O. WIlson. As NW, Washington, DC 20005. Ph: (202) 659-0030 Fax: (202) 789-7594. later announced, those elected as reg- ular board members were: Russ 21-24. Seventh American Forest Congress (the first since 1975, this Congress is Clemings, Marla Cone, Erin Hayes, intended to "develop a shared vision, a set of principles, and recommendations for forest David Ropeik and Angela Swafford. policy, research, and management needs for the protection and sustainable management Because one person would fill an unex- of America's forests"). Washington, DC. Contact: Dan Smith, American Forests, 1516 P pired two-year term, the five electees St. NW, Washington, DC 20005. Ph: (202) 667-3300 ext. 208; e-mail: would later draw straws to determine [email protected]; WWW: http://www.cis.yale.edu/forest_congress who would serve the shorter term. Academic members elected JoAnn 22-23. International Conference on Pregnant Women in the Workplace: sound and Valenti to fill the three-year ex-officio vibration exposures. (sponsored by University of Florida College of Medicine). seat, while Adlai Amor was elected by Gainesville, FL. Contact: RM Abrams, Dept. of OB-GYN, University of Florida, PO the associate membership to be its ex- Box 100294, Gainesville, FL 32610-0294. Ph: (904) 392-3179; Fax: (904) 392-4955; e- officio representative. mail: [email protected] The meeting was adjourned at 9:50 a.m. 25-29. WM '96ÑA conference on nuclear wastes and mixed nuclear and hazardous wastes (Sessions on what to do with plutonium, enviro remediation of defense sites, sit- Ñ Submitted by Kevin Carmody, ing issues for waste repositories, and more.) Tucson, AZ. Contact: WM Symposia Inc., Board secretary 245 S. Plumer, Ste. 19, Tucson, AZ 85719. Ph: 520-624-8573; Fax: 520-792-3993.

SEJournal, P.O.Box 27280, Philadelphia, PA 19118 Winter 1995 27 Calendar 26-27. Urban Conservation 2000: a conference to evaluate Executive Director, NCRP, 7910 Woodmont Ave., Ste. 800, urban erosion control and water management innovations Bethesda, MD 20814-3095. Ph: (301) 657-2652; Fax: (301)907- (with sessions on local, state, and national perspectives; as well 8768. as establishing standards for erosion and stormwater controls). Seattle, WA. Contact: Soil and Water Conservation Society, 23-24. Chromium Symposium sponsored by the Industrial 7515 NE Ankeny Rd., Ankeny, IA 50021-9764. Ph: 800-THE- Health Foundation (with sessions on reproductive toxicity, SOIL ext. 18; Fax: (515) 289-1227; WWW home page: environmental monitoring, and human studies). Arlington, VA. http://www.netins.net/showcase/swcs/ Contact: Marianne C. Kaschak, IHC, 34 Penn Circle W., Pittsburgh, PA 15206-3612. Ph: (412) 363-6600; Fax: (412) 363- 28-March 1. Emerging Solutions to Volatile Organic 6605. Chemicals and Air Toxics Control. Clearwater, FL. Contact: Linda Stein, Air and Waste Management Association, 1 Gateway 26-May 3. American Occupational Health Conference (with Center, 3rd Fl., Pittsburgh, PA 15222. Ph: (412) 232-3444 ext. sessions on health effects of acute exposures to hazardous chemi- 3126; Fax: (412) 232-3450. cals, aircraft air quality, lung diseases from minerals and artificial fibers, and the role of the environment in diseases of the body's MARCH airways). San Antonio, TX. Contact: Kay Coyne, American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 55 W. 4-6. The first international Solar Electric Buildings Seegers Rd., Arlington Hts., IL 60005. Ph: (708) 228-6850 ext Conference and Renew '96 (the first of this pair of energy con- 152; Fax: (708) 228-1856. servation meetings that piggyback on one another promises to premier the findings of a five-year International Energy Agency FELLOWSHIPS program examining photovoltaics used in buildings). Boston. Contact: NESEA, 50 Miles St., Greenfield, MA 01301. Ph: (413) Jan. 31 deadlinefor U.S. journalists applying to the Nieman 774-6051; Fax: (413) 774-6053. Fellowship for Environmental Journalists at Harvard University, Cambridge, MA. Fellows pursue graduate and 5-7. International Zebra Mussel and Other Aquatic Nuisance undergraduate studies at the university over the academic year. Species Conference (sponsored by US Coast Guard, US Army The program is open to journalists with at least three years of Corps of Engineers, Canadian Coast Guard, and Detroit Edison). professional media experience; and who are full-time staff or Dearborn, MI. Contact: Elizabeth Muckle-Jeffs, 567 Roy St., freelance environmental journalists working for newspapers, Pembroke, Ontario, Canada K8A-6R6. Ph: (800) 868-8776; Fax: news services, magazines, or broadcast outlets "of broad public (613)732-3386; e-mail: [email protected] interest." A stipend of tuition plus $25,000 a year will be provid- ed. Contact: Program Officer, Nieman Foundation, 1 Francis 10-13. Environmentally Friendly Polymers Workshop. Ave., Cambridge, MA 02138. Ph: (617) 495-2237; Fax: (617) Charleston, SC. Contact: Diane Morrill, Polymer Chemistry, 495-8976. Virgina Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1103 Hahn Hall, Blacksburg, VA 24061-0344. Ph: (703) 231-3029. March 1 deadline for the Knight Science Journalism Fellowship at the MIT. Only full-time staff or freelance journal- 12-16. Solar Energy Industries Association annual meeting. ists with at least three years of experience covering science, tech- Palm Springs, CA. Contact: Michelle Birkenstock, SEIA, 122 C. nology, or environmental issues will be considered for this pro- St. NW, 4th Fl, Washington, DC 20001. Ph: (202) 383-2600; gram, which lasts one academic year and offers a stipend of Fax: (202) 383-2670; e-mail: [email protected] $26,000 and a relocation allowance up to $2,000. Contact: Victor McElheny, director, Knight Science Journalism Fellowships, 19-22. National Hydropower Association annual conference MIT, Bldg. 9, Room 315, Cambridge, MA 02139-4307. Ph: (with sessions on economics and new technologies). Washington, (617) 253-3442; Fax: (617) 258-8100;e- mail: [email protected] DC. Contact: Chris Gordon, National Hydropower Assn., 122 C St. NW, 4th Fl., Washington, DC 20001. Ph: (202) 383-2530; The Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL)) will be offering a Fax: (202) 383-2531. limited number of science writing fellowships lasting one to eight weeks, summer, 1996. Support covers tuition, housing, 24-28. American Chemical Society annual meeting (sessions library use, and transportation. Equipment may be available for on estrogen-mimicking pollutants, evaluating products for broadcasters wishing to film. Fellows will participate in a hands- biodegradability, cleaning up petroleum-contaminated environ- on course where they will isolate and sequence DNA, learn poly- ments, and assaying pesticide exposures to workers and con- merase chain reaction techniques, and study chromotography and sumers). New Orleans, LA. Contact: Marv Coyner, ACS, 1155 electron microscopy. Contact Pam Clapp, (508) 548-3705. 16th St. NW, Washington, DC 20036-4899. Ph: (202) 872-4451; Fax: (202) 872-4370; e-mail: [email protected] Another offering from MBL specifically for environmental reporters may begin in summer 1996. At least one fellow will 26-29. Globe 96: Developing the Business of the Environment. go to the North Slope of Alaska for the Arctic ecosystems Vancouver, B.C. Contact: Globe Foundation, World Trade research at MBL's year-round center there. Also under considera- Center, 504-999 Canada Place, Vancouver, B.C, Canada V6C- tion are similar programs at field sites in Brazil and Sweden. 3E1. Ph: (604) 775-1994. Journalists with an interest in environmental problems interested in these field station opportunities should state this when request- APRIL ing an application. Contact Pam Clapp, (508) 548-3705.

3-4. The National Council on Radiation Protection and Woods Hole Science Writing Program offers a week-long Measurements annual meeting: Implications of New Data on seminar on nature and science writing March 17Ñ22. Contact Radiation Cancer Risk. Arlington, VA. Contact: W. Roger Ney, Bill Sargent, (617) 242-3752.

SEJournal, P.O.Box 27280, Philadelphia, PA 19118 Winter 1995 28

New Members

The following list represents new SEJ Hawaii ¥ Carol Milano (associate), Brooklyn members recorded from September 25 ¥ David Seideman (associate), Audubon through December 15. Memberships ¥ Robert Loy (active), News Magazine, New York recorded after December 15 will Department, KGMB (CBS), Honolulu ¥ Trisha M. Voner (academic), appear in SEJournal Volume 6, Newhouse School of Communications, Number 1. Illinois Syracuse University, Syracuse

¥ Amanda E. Doyle (academic), Ohio Alabama Environmental Economics Dept., University of Illinois, Springfield ¥ Gene Mapes (academic), ¥ Emily Roane (active), News & Public ¥ Stevenson Swanson (active), Chicago Environmental and Plant Biology, Ohio Affairs, Ala. Public TV, Montgomery Tribune, Chicago University, Athens California Maryland Pennsylvania ¥ Lisa Owens-Viami (academic), ¥ Thomas M. Koval (associate), ¥ Suzette Parmley (active), The Science Writing, San Francisco State Protection and Measurements, National Philadelphia Inquirer, Philadelphia University, Richmond Council on Radiation, Bethesda ¥ Patricia A. Wittig (assoc.), Kutztown ¥ Lawrence Schneider (academic), ¥ Emmanuel F. Wongibe (academic), Department of Journalism, California College of Journalism, University of Texas State University, Northridge, Northridge Maryland, College Park ¥ Virginia Velasquez Cruz (associate), ¥ Jeffrey S. Guillory (academic), Texas Production/Operations, KTVU-TV, Massachusetts Shores Magazine, Texas A&M Oakland University Sea Grant, The Woodlands ¥ Peter A. A. Berle (active), ¥ Jim Hiney (academic), Texas Shores Colorado Environment Show, NatÕl Productions- Magazine, Texas A&M University Sea WAMC Public Radio, Stockbridge Grant Program, Bryan ¥ Sarah E. Asmus (academic), Fort ¥ Karen Klinger (active), UPI, Cambridge Collins ¥ Mark Kramer (active), Boston Globe, Vermont ¥ Sarah Gilbert (academic), University Boston of Colorado, Boulder ¥ Christine T. Cordner (academic), Michigan School of Natural Resources, University District of Columbia of Vermont, Burlington ¥ Gillian J. Klucas (academic), ¥ Joseph A. Davis (associate), Department of Communication, Virginia Environment Writer, Environmental University of Michigan, Ann Arbor Health Center ¥ Curtis Runyan (active), Greenwire, ¥ Kurt Kleiner (active), New Scientist Minnesota American Political Network, Alexandria Magazine ¥ Dena Leibman (associate), Friends of ¥ Norman C. Erickson (associate), International the Earth Rochester Post-Bulletin, Rochester Canada ¥ Meg Walker (active), Federal Times, Army Times Publishing Co. New Hampshire ¥ Jill McWhinnie (associate), RCO ¥ Daniel Whitten (active), Policy Bulletin/Update, Recycling Environmental Compliance Tool Kit, ¥ Michael Argue (academic), Council of Ontario, Toronto Thompsons Publishing Group Environmental Studies, Antioch New England Graduate School, Keene Hungary Florida ¥ Elizabeth Maguire (academic), Environmental Communications, ¥ Jeff Gailus (associate), The Bulletin, ¥ Louis F. Misselhorn (active), Florida Antioch New England Graduate School, Reg. Env Cntr, Cntrl/East Europe, Today, Melbourne East Alstead Budapest ¥ Jane Tolbert-Rouchaleau (academic), New York Humanities Department, Fla Institute of Mexico Technology, Melbourne Beach ¥ Bob Aglow (active), World News Tonight with Peter Jennings, ABC ¥ Soledad Moline (academic), Georgia News, Bronxville Department of Communications, ¥ Francesca Lyman (assoc.), Bronxville University Iberoamericana, Mexico ¥ Jon Entine (active), Atlanta

SEJournal, P.O.Box 27280, Philadelphia, PA 19118 Winter 1995 31 Green Beat Correspondents

Hawaii Ñ Joan Conrow at the Honolulu Franktown Road, Carson City, NV 89704, Contribute to Green Beat Star-Bulletin, Kavai Bureau, PO. Box 3404, (702) 885-2023. The Green Beat is designed as an idea Lihue, HI, 96776, (808) 828-0620. Ohio, Indiana Ñ Charlie Prince at Ohio exchange for environmental journalists and Idaho Ñ Rocky Barker of the Post- Environmen-tal Reporter, 516 Ludlow Ave. educators. It relies on information submitted Register, 1020 11th St., Idaho Falls, ID, Cincinnati, OH 45220, (513) 221-0954. by reporters about important issues, out- 83404, (208) 529-8508 or Julie Titone standing coverage, and developments in of the Spokesman Review & Chronicle, Oregon Ñ Terry Novak at the Salem environmental education and the communi- (509) 459-5431 Statesman-Journal, 280 Church St. N.E. cations profession on a state-by-state basis. Salem, OR 97309, (503) 399-6737. To submit ideas or copies of series for pos- Illinois Ñ John Wasik at Consumers Digest, sible mention in The Green Beat, contact P.O. Box 51, Wauconda, IL, 60684, (302) Pennsylvania Ñ John Bartlett, Erie Daily the SEJ correspondent for the appropriate 275-3590. Times, 513 13th St., Franklin, PA 16323, state(s). They are: (814) 437-6397. Iowa Ñ Perry Beeman at the Des Moines Register, P.O. Box 957, Des Moines, IA Puerto Rico/Caribbean Islands Ñ Albi Alabama Ñ Sean Reilly, Anniston Star 50304, (515) 284-8538. Ferre at El Nuevo Dia, Box 297, San Juan, Montgomery Bureau, 1621 Deatsville Hwy., PR 00902, (809) 793-7070, ext. 2165. Millbrook, AL 36054, (205) 264-8711. Kansas Ñ Mike Mansur at the Kansas City Star, 1729 Grand Ave., Kansas City, MO Tennessee and Mississippi Ñ Debbie Alaska Ñ Vacant. 64108. (816) 234-4433. Gilbert at The Memphis Flyer, 460 Ten- nessee St., Memphis, TN 38103, Arizona and New Mexico Ñ Tony Davis at Kentucky Ñ Vacant. (901) 521-9000. the Albuquerque Tribune, P.O. Drawer T, Albuquerque, NM 87103, (505) 823-3625, Louisiana Ñ Bob Anderson at The Morning Texas and Oklahoma: fax (505) 823-3689. Advocate, Box 588, Baton Rouge, LA 70821, (504) 383-1111. North Texas and Oklahoma Ñ Randy Arkansas Ñ David Kern at the Arkansas Loftis at The Dallas Morning News, Democrat-Gazette, P.O. Box 2221, Little Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont Ñ 508 Young St., Dallas, TX 75202, Rock, AK 72203, (501) 378-3862. Robert Braile, Boston Globe correspondent, (800) 431-0010. P.O. Box 1907, Exeter, N.H., 03833, (603) California: 772-6380. Central and West Texas Ñ Robert Bryce at The Austin Chronicle, 3812 Brookview, Northern California Ñ Laura Mahoney, Maryland and Delaware Ñ Tim Wheeler, Austin, TX 78722, (512) 454-5766 BNA, 770 L St., Suite 910, Sacramento, CA The Sun, 501 N. Calvert St., Baltimore, MD 95814, (916) 552-6502. 21278, (301) 332-6564. East and Coastal Texas Ñ Bill Dawson at The Houston Chronicle, Box 4260, Bay Area/San Jose Ñ Jane Kay at the Michigan Ñ John A. Palen, at Central Houston, TX 77210, (713) 220-7171. San Francisco Examiner, Box 7260, San Michigan University, Journalism Dept. Francisco, CA 94120, (415) 777-8704. Anspach 36, Mt. Pleasant, MI 48859, (517) Utah and Wyoming Ñ Rod C. Jackson, 774-7110. KTVX-TV, 1760 S. Fremont Dr., Salt Lake Southern California Ñ Marni McEntee, City, UT 84103, (801) 975-4418. Los Angeles Daily News, 20132 Observation Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota Ñ Drive, Topanga, CA 90290, (805) 641-0542. Tom Meersman at the Minneapolis Star Virginia and North Carolina Ñ Mark Divincenzo at The Daily Press, 7505 Colorado Ñ Ronald Baird, Colorado Daily, Tribune, 425 Portland Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55488, (612) 673-4414. Warwick Blvd., Newport News, VA 23607, 839 Pearl St., Boulder, CO, 80302, (303) (804) 247-4719. 443-6272. Missouri Ñ Bill Allen, St. Louis Post- Washington State Ñ Rob Taylor of the Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts Dispatch, 900 N. Tucker Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63101, (314) 340-8127. Seattle Post-Intelligencer at 18719 Ñ Bob Wyss at the Providence Journal, 75 S.E. 58th St., Issaquah, WA 98027, Fountain St., Providence, RI 02902, (401) Montana Ñ Mike Millstein of the Billings (206) 488-8337 and Julie Titone of 737-3000. Gazette, P.O. Box 821, Cody WY 82414, the Spokesman Review & Chronicle, District of Columbia Ñ Cheryl Hogue, (307) 527-7250. Box 2160, Spokane, WA 99210-1615, (509) 459-5431. BNA, Daily Environment Report, 1231 25th Nebraska Ñ Al J. Laukaitis at the Lincoln St., N.W., Room 361-S, Wash., DC 20037, Journal, 926 P Street, Lincoln, NE 68501, West Virginia Ñ Ken Ward at the (202) 452-4625, fax (202) 452-4150. (402) 473-7257. Charleston Gazette, 1001 Virginia St. East, Charleston, WV 25301, (304) 348-1702. Florida: New Jersey Ñ Peter Page at the Trenton North Florida Ñ Bruce Ritchie at the Times, 513 Berwyn Road, Morrisville, PA, Wisconsin Ñ Chuck Quirmbach of Gainesville Sun, P.O. Box 147147, 19067, (609) 989-5701. Wisconsin Public Radio, 111 E. Kilbourn Gainesville, FL 32614, (904) 374-5087. Ave., #1060, Milwaukee, WI 53202,(414) New York Ñ Carol Kaplan at WGRZ-TV, 271-8686 or (608) 263-7985. South Florida Ñ William Howard at 259 Delaware Ave., Buffalo, NY, 14202, the Palm Beach Post, 2751 S. Dixie Highway, (716) 849-5756, Fax: (716) 849-5706. West Palm Beach FL, 33405, (407) 820-4417 . Please note that some states are vacant. Nevada Las Ñ Mary Manning at the If you are interested in being a Green Beat Vegas Sun, Georgia and South Carolina Ñ Ron 800 S. Valley View Blvd., Las correspondent, call Kevin Carmody at Chepsiuk, 782 Wofford St., Rock Hill, SC Vegas, NV 89107, (702) 259-4065 or Jon (312) 229-2814 29730, (803) 366-5440. Christiansen of High Country News, 6185

32 Winter 1995 SEJournal, P.O.Box 27280, Philadelphia, PA 19118 The Green Beat CALIFORNIA received an estimated 2,000 phone calls statewide. The results of this three-month on the subject and voted against his party reporting project were not surprisingÑ ä Los Angeles Daily News reporter in committee. He later changed his vote phosphate mining and paper and pulp Tony Knight wrote about Miller Brewing back to the party line, blaming the mills are the stateÕs biggest polluters. But Co.Õs fight against plans by at least two Òphone-banking tacticsÓ of the Sierra in a state where rampant development is water districts in the Los Angeles area to Club for the switch. the leading issue, toxic chemical pollution recharge aquifers with reclaimed sewage often doesnÕt get as much examination. waterÑincluding one aquifer from which CONNECTICUT The series examined issues involving the the companyÕs Irwindale plant draws TRI and the industries that dominate the its water. Environmentalists fear if the ä Add Connecticut to the states top polluters list. Contact Will Lester or company is successful, plans for future where concern is rising over the use of William C. Hidlay at AP Miami, (800) water-conserving methods would be in reformulated gasoline, and one fuel addi- 824-5498 or (305) 594-5825. jeopardy. For copies, call Knight at (818) tive in particularÑmethyl tertiary butyl 713-3769. ether (MBTE). Residents of Alaska, New HAWAII Jersey, and Wisconsin have all com- COLORADO plained of health problems which they say ä Hawaii has only a few sheltered are linked to the cleaner burning fuel. bays which provide shelter for many ä ColoradoÕs two major newspapers Scientists and the EPA have not estab- marine mammals, including spinner continue a Jekyll-and-Hyde approach to lished a definite connection. The issue dauphins and their young. But the ani- covering major environmental stories. came to Connecticut in August, eight mals could be threatened by increasing Denver Post reporter Mark Obmascik got months after reformulated gasoline had numbers of people who want to swim wind of a proposal to sell off national been introduced, when a chapter of Oxy- with the wild creatures. ÒSometimes we forest lands that are currently leased to Busters (an activist organization first just love these animals to death,Ó special the ski areas before it hit the national begun in New Jersey) was created and agent Gene Proulx of the National Marine news; consequently the story was given began pressing for the elimination of Fisheries Service was quoted as saying the top spot in page one coverage on MBTE in the fuel. For more information, in a Sept. 14 article in the Honolulu September 18, another front page the next contact Dan Jones, Hartford Courant, Star-Bulletin. Staff writer Greg Ambrose day, and two inside as the proposal was (203) 241-6200. reported that dolphins come into bays dropped on Sept. 22 due to public out- during the day to rest from predators, rage. Congressional leaders revived the FLORIDA which is exactly when they are rushed bill as a rider to an appropriations bill by kayaks, bodyboarders, paddleboarders within days. But it was again killed in ä The Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel and swimmers. The activity could force November. The Rocky Mountain News showed how two years of heavy rains are the creatures away from the beaches to ran one article on Sept. 21 when the plan damaging tree islands in the Everglades-- an uncertain fate. Those who violate appeared headed for defeat. Likewise, the a barely noticed side effect of South federal laws against harassing marine Post virtually ignored a story in late FloridaÕs man-made flood control system. mammals face a $10,000 fine, but agents August when the Rocky Mountain News Deer, raccoons, and other animals depend are hoping education will be more gave top placement to a wire service story on the tree islands for food. Large trees effective in encouraging people to keep on massive cyanide spill at a Guyana killed by flooding may take generations their distance. mine that was partially owned by a to replace. ä About 2 million acres of HawaiiÕs Denver mining company. The News ran For more information, call reporter landÑroughly half the entire stateÑfalls several follow-up stories, pointing to both Robert McClure at (305) 356-4597. within the conservation district. the companyÕs involvement in the mine ä The Palm Beach Post used Florida Designated in 1964, these public and and its links to the former owner of the Power & Light Co.Õs Riviera Beach plant private lands were intended to protect and Summitville mine in southern Colorado, to demonstrate that regulators continue to preserve the stateÕs natural resources, to which suffered a similar disaster in 1990. allow Ògrandfathered-inÓ power plants to be used and managed in a sustainable The Post, however, continues to give emit twice as much pollution-laden way. But increasingly frequent requests to major coverage to environmental changes smoke as newer plants. State officials said develop huge homes, utility lines, radio being proposed in Congress, while the they have not tried to impose the stricter towers, and even freeways within the same stories barely rate a mention in the new standards on old plants because they district have prompted state officials to News. For more information, call Ron fear legal opposition from permit holders. take another look at how to manage these Baird at the Colorado Daily, (303) 443- For more information, call reporter vast holdings, reported staff writer Joan 6272. William Howard at (407) 820-4417. Conrow in the Oct. 16 edition of the ä After a strongly worded editorial ä Despite efforts in Congress to Honolulu Star-Bulletin (808) 828-0620. in the Post chided Sen. Ben Nighthorse eliminate the Toxic Release Inventory, The stateÕs Department of Land and Campbell in September to support native the federal database remains a useful tool Natural Resources is developing a people in Alaska and Canada by voting for journalists. Associated Press offered a database of resources, so it can then against oil and gas exploration in the five-part ÒToxic TroublesÓ series in identify sensitive lands that shouldnÕt Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, he November examining emission, be developed and appropriate uses

SEJournal, P.O.Box 27280, Philadelphia, PA 19118 Winter 1995 33 The Green Beat for others. Public meetings are being ILLINOIS those schedules. If the California Air held around the state. Resources Board pushes back the 1996 ä Hawaii has 207 plants on the fed- ä The New York Times featured electric vehicle deadline, by law both eral Endangered Species List, far more Chicago ÒbrownfieldsÓ in a December 4 Massachusetts and New York must do the than any other state. Both the Honolulu front-page story by John Holusha. same. For more details, contact Scott Star-Bulletin and Honolulu Advertiser ÒBrownfieldÓ is an urban planning Allen, Boston Globe, (617) 929-3000. report frequently on various issues euphemism for an abandoned industrial ä The siting of a low-level radioac- associated with the native flora. The lat- site that usually has environmental conta- tive waste dump somewhere in Mas- ter offered a Nov. 26 report on the minants, but is ripe for sale because of its sachusetts was expected to be one of the growing popularity of native plants proximity in an urban setting. The EPA biggest environmental issues of the year. among home gardeners and landscapers, estimates that there are more than 2,000 But the issue is rapidly fading. The sense and a profile of a woman who had fought brownfields in Chicago alone. of urgency to site a dump, held by both back alien plants to make way for a ä The normally pro-development state officials and the nuclear industry, native garden. Contact Advertiser Home Chicago Tribune raised the spectre of began to falter after South Carolina Section Editor Mike Leidemann (808) environmental degradation in a series of reopened its dump site to other states 525-8000 articles in late November concerning the in order to raise more revenue. Utilities, ä On another front, Joan Conrow of proposed move of the Chicago Bears to faced with paying both disposal fees the Star-Bulletin reported that a quarter an industrial site near blighted Gary, as well as for the planning and building of the stateÕs endangered nehe plant could Indiana. The front-page articles co-written of a Massachusetts site, began wavering be wiped out in a cinder mining operation by Tribune environmental writer in their support. With environmental- permitted by the state Department of Stevenson Swanson warned of endan- ists vowing to fight the plan, support Hawaiian Home Lands. The agency, gered wetlands that would be threatened within the Weld administration also which administers lands for native by the proposed development of a football Hawaiian beneficiaries, acted after stadium and entertainment complex called began to falter. For more information, receiving a draft opinion from the state ÒplanetÓ park. contact Tim Sandler, Boston Phoenix, Attorney GeneralÕs office that it was ä The biggest environmental event (617) 859-3248. exempt from the stateÕs endangered in Chicago in early December garnered species laws. Environmentalists and scant notice in the cityÕs two largest MINNESOTA scientists are worried about the loophole dailies. The cityÕs Òblue bagÓ recycling in the law, and have criticized the programÑnearly five years in develop- ä Minnesota officials have given involvement of a state SenatorÕs family in mentÑwill impact some 750,000 house- Potlatch Corp. permission to double the the venture. Conrow also wrote a two-part holds in the city and be one of the largest size of a large board manufacturing plant series on efforts to propagate the stateÕs urban recycling efforts to date. On in northeastern Minnesota. The project is rarest plants and return them to the wild. December 4, Chicago Sun-Times environ- the latest in a series of pulp, paper, and The paperÕs Washington correspondent, mental writer Jim Ritter covered the story wood board expansions that have more Pete Pichaske, also has written a number on page 18. ÒPoverty may prove to be one than doubled the amount of annual log- of reports in recent months on legislative of the biggest obstacles to blue-bag recy- ging in the state during the past two action to protect Hawaii from invasive cling,Ó Ritter observed, noting that afflu- decades. The pressure for more wood has alien plants that damage native flora and ent suburbanites typically recycle at a outraged some environmental leaders, crops. Some say the weeds are HawaiiÕs higher rate than inner-city residents. The who say that additional cutting should not single greatest environmental threat. (202) Daily Southtown, meanwhile, gave stories be allowed without stronger measures to 783-2790 on the controversial program page-one protect biodiversity, water, and soils. The ä Both the Advertiser and Star- play on Nov. 28 and Dec. 12. risks and benefits of the proposed expan- Bulletin have given extensive coverage sion have also deeply divided wildlife to a proposal to greatly expand the mar- MASSACHUSETTS experts and foresters within the ine sanctuary for humpback whales in Minnesota Department of Natural ä The use of electric vehicles to help Hawaii. The huge animals breed and Resources. The large mill owners contend calve in the warm bays around the state, clean up air pollution remains a major there is plenty of wood available for more and are especially common in waters story in Massachusetts. The latest twist is logging, but smaller for there businesses. off Maui, Molokai, and Lanai. These that CaliforniaÕs anticipated decision to A coalition of the environmental groups areas included in current sanctuary back off its requirement that automakers is almost certain to challenge the Potlatch boundaries, which the federal government begin selling electric cars in the west project in court. Contact Tom Meersman, has proposed extending to include the coast state by next year will have an Minneap-olis Star Tribune, (612) 673- Big Island and portions of Oahu and impact in both Massachusetts and New 7388. Kauai. Advocates say the designation York. Both states adopted the California ä An increasing amount of garbage would attract federal for education car plan, which calls for the sale of is being shipped from Minnesota to its and research. But opponents fear increasingly cleaner burning vehicles. neighboring states, especially to Iowa. the new restrictions on fishing and commer- They have both also come under heavy shipments have angered small-town cial boating. pressure from car manufacturers to drop Towns who live near two landfills, and

34 Winter 1995 SEJournal, P.O.Box 27280, Philadelphia, PA 19118 The Green Beat have alarmed Minnesota officials who burn could begin January, and take about from the Mercury, Hylton spent the last committed millions of dollars to building seven months. The incinerator then would two years researching and writing Save composting plants, garbage shredding be dismantled; the state plans to Our Land. Save Our Towns: A Plan for facilities, and waste-to energy incinera- turn Times Beach into a park. Contact Pennsylvania. Hylton proposes compre- tors in the late 1980Õs. The Minnesota environment writer Tom Uhlenbrock, hensive state planning, urban growth solid waste system was based on the at (314) 340-8128. areas, and regional governments as ways assumption that county ordinances could to save PennsylvaniaÕs cities and small require that a communityÕs garbage be NEW JERSEY towns alike and to preserve the stateÕs sent to local solid waste facilities. but a farmlands and wildlands. HyltonÕs book 1994 U.S. Supreme Court decision ruled ä The Record in Hackensack, N.J., has been the subject of articles in several that local ordinances that try to control published a three-part investigative series papers across the state, and others have the flow of trash are unconstitutional on a chemical-plant explosion that killed used the book for stories on the issues because they violate the interstate five workers. The series, ÒFormula for raised by Hylton. The book is available commerce clause. Waste hauling firms Disaster,Ó concluded that the April 21 from RB Books, 1006 Second St., Suite and landfill owners say that well-man- explosion at Napp Technologies in Lodi 1-A, Harrisburg, PA 17102. aged, modern landfills are cheaper and in was caused by Òa deadly mixture of many cases environmentally superior to negligent managers, poorly trained RHODE ISLAND incinerators and composting plants. employees, and lax government over- Contact Tom Meersman, Minneapolis sight.Ó Three reporters worked on the ä The Providence Journal-Bulletin Star Tribune. project for four mouths, aided by an has began an occasional series which ä Corporate farms are increasingly engineering consultant hired by the looks at an ecosystem by writing stories taking hold in the hog industry. One newspaper. The Record found that NappÕs about the people, wildlife, and habitat such farm in Missouri raises nearly 2 senior chemist, the man to whom workers of that area. The series centers on the million hogs a year in dozens of turned shortly before the explosion, had state-owned Great Swamp Management computer-monitored, climate-controlled questionable credentials and a checkered Area, a 3,350-acre preserve. Stories so far barns. Industry folks say big-time hog background in dealing with hazardous have focused on: the comeback of the farms are the wave of the future and will waste. The U.S. AttorneyÕs office has osprey (which each summer nest at the provide low-cost, high-quality food. But opened an inquiry to see if there were any Swamp); a bush pilot based for many critics say the immense scale of these criminal violations. Contacts: Debra Lynn years at Great Swamp; and how hunting, operations is causing a host of environ- Vial, Mike Moore, or Bruce Locklin. The which is in a rapid decline in New mental problem, and is changing the Record, 150 River St., Hackensack, N.J. England, is still popular each fall at Great economics of livestock production in 07601 (201) 646-4100. Swamp. For more information, contact ways that will drive more family farms Bob Wyss, (401) 277-7364. out of business. The issue is provoking PENNSYLVANIA ä For years concern has been grow- considerable debate throughout the coun- ing about the rising levels of bacteria in try, especially in Midwestern states. ä The number of trees that can be Greenwich Cove, in Warwick, R.I. Once Contact James Walsh, Minneapolis Star harvested on a sustainable basis from the this estuary could be counted on for a Tribune, (612) 673-4414. Allegheny National Forest is far less than bountiful harvest of shellfish as well as to previously thought. The Erie Times-News be a playground for boaters and swim- MISSOURI reported that a new U.S. Forest Service mers. It was assumed the prime source study found the sustained timber harvest was either from the local marinas or Test burns began in December to capability of the forest is only 53.2 mil- failed septic system in the suburban com- determine whether an incinerator in lion board feet (MMBF) annually. That is munities around the saltwater cover. But Times Beach will destroy dioxin. The only 56 percent of what was estimated in after a four-year search, researchers found incineratorÕs job is to take 100,000 cubic the AlleghenyÕs management plan adopt- that the prime source was a farm several yards of contaminated materialÑevery- ed in 1986 that set the sustained yield miles up a tributary. It was a surprise, thing from mattresses and furniture to capacity at 94.5 MMBF annually. The especially since local and state officials rocks and tree stumpsÑand turn it into reduction in the sustained yield capability had been striving to keep the farm open to sterile soil, carbon dioxide, and water was blamed on poor regeneration of many prevent further development in this highly vapor. The material will be excavated tree species. A reduction in timber har- suburban area. For further information, from MissouriÕs 27-year-old dioxin site. vests on the forest could have widespread contact Peter Lord, Providence Journal- The U.S. Environmental Protection economic impacts in a four-county region Bulletin, (401) 737-3070. Agency, backed by the state Department of northwestern Pennsylvania. The of Natural Resources, says incineration Allegheny is the only national forest in TENNESSEE is the best method for ending MissouriÕs Pennsylvania. 20-year dioxin legacy. The Times Beach ä A new book on urban sprawl by ä Twenty-five years ago, Action Group, which has about 100 Pulitzer Prize winner Thomas Hylton of Chattanooga was labeled the most pollut- supporters, has led opposition to the burn. the Pottstown Mercury is attracting ed city in the U.S. by federal air-quality If the incinerator passes muster, the statewide attention. Currently on leave officials. Now, despite the fact that its

SEJournal, P.O.Box 27280, Philadelphia, PA 19118 Winter 1995 35 The Green Beat economy remains the most manufactur- Tribune (801) 237-2045. last January. The news conference fea- ing-dependent of any city in Tennessee, ä (Salt Lake City) Utah Governor tured a brief argument between a clean Chattanooga has given itself an environ- Mike Leavitt hosted three days of public air activist, and a television news mental makeover, and has drafted a long- meetings December 6-8 to seek answers reporter, whose station had aired many range plan to become a model for how to UtahÕs growth problems. stories critical of RFG. industry and clean air can co-exist. The series of public meetings, ä State officials in December Chattanooga hosted the January 1995 debates, and state-wide television and released a land use planning report, meeting of the PresidentÕs Council on radio broadcasts focused in particular on promoted in part by a media consor- Sustainable Development; it has been three areas of concern: transportation, tiumÕs series last summer on land use recognized by the United Nations for its decreasing open space, and water. The issues. But thereÕs already partisan spar- environmental progress; and it now has program is aimed at finding state- ring on the plan, and fears that it will the second-largest fleet of non-polluting wide solutions to growth-related issues collect dust. electric buses in the nation. Admittedly, which could be presented to the state there are still problems- Chattanooga legislature and local governments. For WYOMING Creek is a Superfund site. Tom Charlier further information: John Hollenhorst, reported this story in the Nov. 20 edition KSL-TV (801) 575-5500. ä The National Park Service has of the Memphis Commercial Appeal. developed a 36-page report to combat Tom can be reached at (901) 529-2572. WISCONSIN lake trout invasions of Yellowstone For a packet of press materials about Lake. The report, entitled ÒThe Yellow- ChattanoogaÕs progress and upcoming ä Milwaukee Journal Sentinel stone Lake Crisis: confronting a lake projects, contact Nancy Bearden environmental reporter Don Behm trout invasion,Ó is being used by the Park Henderson at the Chattanooga Chamber gives an unfavorable review to a new Service to sway public opinion on why of Commerce, (423) 756-2515. book critical of the public relations controls of lake trout are needed in the industry. In November, Behm wrote that nationÕs first national park. In a cover let- UTAH the authors of Toxic Sludge is good ter accompanying the report, park super- for you! often employ Òmany of the tech- intendent Michael Finley states Òthe ä (Salt Lake City) the National niques for manipulating information that potential destruction of the worldÕs last Centers For Disease Control (CDC) will they denounce.Ó Authors John Stauber great inland stronghold of cutthroat trout not delay activation of a chemical and Sheldon Rampton later responded may serve as the impetus to raise aware- weapons incinerator in UtahÕs West that BehmÕs review was Òerror-ridden.Ó ness among the public of the damage Desert, despite serious deficiencies found ä After a second State of Wisconsin done by such thoughtless, foolish acts.Ó in emergency preparedness. The CDC health report downplayed concerns about The Park Service says this Òappalling act report was made public in mid- reformulated gasoline (RFG), Milwau- of environmental vandalismÓ is the result November, and finds serious flaws with kee-based environmentalists held a news of someone introducing lake trout into local training and preparedness at the conference. At the September event, they Yellowstone Lake, jeopardizing native incineration facility and among local said they hoped the local media would cutthroat. For more info, contact Michael emergency medical providers. For further give as much play to the positive studies, Finley, Superintendent, Yellowstone information: Jim Woolf, Salt Lake as reporters did to concerns about the gas National Park (307) 344-7381.

S E Journal FIRST CLASS Society of Environmental U.S. POSTAGE Journalists PAID P.O. Box 27280 PERMIT NO. 4347 Philadelphia, PA 19118 PHILADELPHIA, PA Address Correction and Forwarding Requested

36 Winter 1995 SEJournal, P.O. Box 27280, Philadelphia, PA 19118