Mid-Atlantic (DC DE MD PA VA WV)

State 'Ag-Gag' Laws Spreading, Protect Misdeeds from Scrutiny

While a Tennessee governor vetoed "ag-gag" legislation in that state, bills criminalizing the collection of information about abuses in livestock operations are still being pushed in other states — and the mechanism may be extended to stifle reporting on other environmental abuses.

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"Smith Islanders Debate Buyout Offered By State"

"EWELL, Md. -- Superstorm Sandy barely laid a glove on Smith Island last fall, to hear residents tell it. Though storm-driven flooding damaged hundreds of homes in Crisfield and the rest of Somerset County, only a couple islanders got any water in their homes from the surging Chesapeake Bay."

Source: Baltimore Sun, 05/14/2013

Supreme Court Deals Blow to Out-of-State FOIA Requesters

The unanimous decision turned down a FOIA request by a California resident for records in Virginia. According to the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, only a "handful" of states have similar residents-only restrictions to their FOI laws. But the doctrinal impact of the decision is likely to be large, since the court held, among other things, that the First Amendment conveys no right of access to government information.

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May 2, 2013

Progress, Challenges, and Opportunities in Global Shark Conservation

Experts will discuss the implications of the March 2013 CITES decision, the current status of domestic and international shark protection efforts, and potential approaches to ensuring a long-term future for sharks. Hosted by the Environmental Law Institute, the event is free and open to the public to attend in person or by teleconference. RSVP by Apr 30.

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