[CPEO-MEF] EPA Restricts Access to Databases

[Steve@miltoxproj.org]

This appeared in the Garden State (i.e. NJ) Environews.  It was 
forwarded to me.

Steve


  EPA ANNOUNCES PLANS TO RESTRICT ACCESS TO ENVIROFACTS 

  Date: 020319 
  From: http://www.ombwatch.org/ 

  The Watcher - March 18, 2002 Vol. 3 No. 6 

On March 14, 2002 the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 
(http://www.epa.gov/) emailed an announcement to Envirofacts users  
explaining that it will no longer allow direct access to the Envirofacts 
databases. In the email to Direct Connect Users, EPA stated that, "As 
part of our continuing efforts to respond to Homeland Security 
issues...starting April 1, 2002, Direct Connect access will no longer be 
available to the general public. Direct Connect access to Envirofacts 
will only be available to U.S. EPA employees, U.S. EPA Contractors, the 
Military, Federal Government, and State Agency employees." 

However, even on this short list of approved users there is a clear 
shift from "right-to- know" to "need-to-know." On the new registration 
form all applicants are required to explain the reason they need direct 
access to Envirofacts. Additionally all State Agency employees and EPA 
Contactors must obtain "sponsorship" from a US EPA manager (branch chief 
or higher). 

Limited and less flexible access to Envirofacts databases will continue 
to be available to the public via the Envirofacts website 
(http://www.epa.gov/enviro/html/qmr.html). EPA created the Envirofacts 
Warehouse to provide the public with direct access to the wealth of 
information contained in its databases. An explanation of the new Direct 
Connect access policy can be found on EPA's website 
(http://www.epa.gov/enviro/html/ef_access.html). 

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