The EPA on Tuesday, August 18, 2009, published preliminary data on the release of toxic chemicals occurring in the United States between Jan.1 and Dec. 31, 2008. The agency is taking the unprecedented step of releasing the raw data prior to the agency completing its analysis. The EPA is analyzing the data and will publish the national analysis once it is completed, according to a news release.

The preliminary data account for approximately 80 to 85 percent of the data to be collected, the release said. The agency will update the dataset in September and again in October so citizens will have complete access to the information.

"EPA's job is to ensure an open and transparent flow of information between Americans and their government, and today's unprecedented step represents the agency's commitment to doing just that," said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. "While we are still analyzing this information, we hope this raw data will be reviewed and used responsibly by stakeholders and the public to help them make informed decisions."

The "used responsibly" hope is likely shared by industry, who could fear local or environmental groups misunderstanding some of the information provided in the reports.

Links

• More information on the data