Articles
Longer-form pieces on EPA ECHO data, the Toxic Release Inventory, Clean Air Act enforcement, environmental justice, and how to research industrial facilities in your community.
How Chemical Accident History Is Reported to EPA
Chemical accidents at industrial facilities trigger multiple reporting obligations. Here's how accident data flows to EPA and what public records reveal.
Industrial Stormwater Pollution: How It's Regulated and Tracked
Industrial stormwater is a significant but often overlooked pollution source. Here's how EPA regulates it and what data captures it.
Ozone Non-Attainment Areas: What They Mean for Local Industry
Areas that don't meet EPA's ozone standard face tighter industrial permitting requirements. Here's how non-attainment designation affects facilities.
TRI Form A vs. Form R: The Alternate Threshold Reporting System
Some TRI facilities qualify to submit a simplified Form A instead of the detailed Form R. Here's what the difference means for data completeness.
How to Use Emissions Data to Advocate for Your Community
Environmental data is a powerful tool for community advocates. Here's how to use EmissionsLookup data effectively in community organizing and advocacy.
Environmental Enforcement Under Different Administrations: Historical Trends
EPA enforcement activity varies significantly across administrations. Here's what the historical data shows about how political context shapes environmental oversight.
Industry Self-Reporting: How Accurate Is TRI Data?
TRI data is self-reported by regulated facilities. Here's what research shows about its accuracy and what the known systematic biases are.
How Pollution Data Can Inform Real Estate and Zoning Decisions
Environmental data from EPA ECHO and TRI is increasingly used in real estate due diligence and zoning analysis. Here's how to use it responsibly.
The Role of State Environmental Agencies in EPA Enforcement
Most EPA enforcement is actually done by states under delegated authority. Understanding this matters for interpreting compliance data by state.
Air Quality Monitoring vs. TRI Reporting: Different Data, Different Purpose
Air quality monitoring stations and TRI facility reports measure different things. Here's why both are needed for a complete picture of air quality.