Tuesday, November 15, 2011

[rti4empowerment] US example: citizen initiative against toxic elements polluting environment

 

Friends,

OMB Watch is a citizen initiative for Promoting Government Accountability and Citizen Participation, as a non-government initiative; brief introductory note is placed below:

"OMB Watch exists to increase government transparency and accountability; to ensure sound, equitable regulatory and budgetary processes and policies; and to protect and promote active citizen participation in our democracy. We envision a more just and democratic society, one in which an open, responsive government protects people's health, safety, and well-being, safeguards the environment, honors the public's right to information, values an engaged and effective citizenry, and adequately invests in the common good.

Founded in 1983, the focus has shifted from solely monitoring the activities of the White House Office of Management and Budget to work in four main program areas: (1) budget and government performance; (2) the regulatory process; (3) government transparency and access to information; and (4) nonprofit advocacy and speech rights.

OMB Watch works with and through the nonprofit sector because of its vital place in our communities and its powerful role in realizing our democratic principles. We are often viewed as a "first responder" by other organizations that look to us for our timeliness and skill in identifying and interpreting policy developments in the issue areas we follow. Many of the issues we work on are generic, procedural matters that cut across government and policy boundaries and that would not otherwise show up on the radar screens for single-issue advocates.

In all our work, we are committed to improving access to decision-makers and energizing citizen participation to strengthen civil society and make government more just, equitable and accountable. "

Latest email from OMB watch indicates their initiative against toxic elements polluting the environment. In India, there has been laxity in this vital area, as evident from Bhopal tragedy.

Dhirendra Krishna

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http://community.ombwatch.org/site/R?i=SzqLAMpTqfQojOEQ1qfggw

November 15, 2011

Dear Friend,

Do you know what toxic chemicals and pollutants are being released into your community? Do you think you have a right to know what toxic chemicals are in the environment around you?

We believe the answer is an emphatic yes! That's why we created RTKNet.org -- a collection of databases with information about chemical releases and spills. Today, RTKNet serves as a leading source for concerned citizens looking for information about toxic chemicals and pollutants in their communities.

Please, consider a gift to OMB Watch to support this important work. Your gift to our year-end campaign helps us give millions of Americans access to information about toxic chemicals in their communities. You can donate at http://community.ombwatch.org/site/R?i=r1zFE1duVgYyRD7bqwGDzQ .

Over the past year, we've stepped up our environmental advocacy. We're thrilled to provide RTKNet.org as a service to Americans, but believe there is more to be done. The government should require industry to disclose more information to the public. And we've been pressuring them to do so.

However, some firms claim that providing information on the chemicals used to produce their goods limits their "competitive edge." They claim the information the public needs to assess risks to public health is "confidential business information" and releasing that information could put their businesses at risk. Really?

They're telling us we have to choose between our health and healthy businesses.

But at OMB Watch, we know that's a false choice. It's just an excuse to keep the American people in the dark and a way to make themselves unaccountable for the risks they create.

So we worked with more than 100 groups and individuals from across the country to develop a proactive agenda for increasing public access to environmental information. The report, available online at http://community.ombwatch.org/site/R?i=uTPsV3IqO_blLC-YQI4btg , was embraced by high level officials in the Obama administration, and we're currently working to ensure that public officials implement each of the policy recommendations it contains.

You deserve full access to information about the pollutants released in your community and the toxic chemicals that comprise your products, and we're working to make sure that access becomes a reality.

Please, give generously to our year-end campaign and help us ensure you have the information you need to assess the risks in your community. You can donate at http://community.ombwatch.org/site/R?i=oH2GKlw5ysdtYgScHjPL5w .

Your donation represents your rejection of the idea that businesses should be able to hide the toxins in their products from consumers. It registers that you want access to the information that empowers you and others in your community to fight for clean water, clean air, safe products, and healthy communities. It demonstrates that you believe government should prioritize the health of American families and communities over the demands of industry lobbyists.

In a democracy, choices matter. And in times of crisis, Americans take care of one another.

Choose to care. Choose to act. Make a difference.

Please, donate to OMB Watch today and stand with us. Look for solutions that put the needs of everyday Americans first. Donate at http://community.ombwatch.org/site/R?i=2l73qJdQGI1hOT1tkobKUg .

Your gift of $50, $100, $150 or more registers your belief that government can and should be accountable to people again.

Warm Regards,
Katherine McFate
President and CEO

P.S. Did you know you can establish a sustaining gift with us? Your sustaining gift can be in any amount and can occur at whatever interval is best for you. Give a sustaining gift today and help us improve access to environmental information. You can establish a sustaining gift at http://community.ombwatch.org/site/R?i=u1wwfY91jhRSOKpEIONnrg .

2011 OMB Watch
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