Residents of Libby, Montana have blamed an old asbestos mine for killing dozens of people.
There has now been a lawsuit filed against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) stating that the agency withheld a report about mishandling the cleanup of asbestos in Libby.
The Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER) wants the court-ordered release of a 2006 report that covered the public-health implications of the way in which EPA conducted the Libby cleanup. PEER says that the suit follows EPA’s denial of both a Freedom of Information Act request and a subsequent appeal.
The lawsuit states that the report wanted, “is a matter of public concern because it contains not only facts and assessments of the status of the Libby cleanup, but also policy and action recommendations by investigator Cory Rumple regarding criminal acts and investigations relating to the mishandling of the Libby cleanup.â€
EPA released a statement saying that the suit is under review. The Office of Inspector General issued a constructive denial of the request and will determine which records will be withheld.
The lawsuit is in compliance with President Obama’s policy that states that openness prevails when there is doubt about requests filed under the Freedom of Information Act. The policy went on to say that the government should not keep information confidential for fear disclosure will embarrass public officials or failures be revealed. PEER stated that the lawsuit will test the policy’s scope.
Tags: Asbestos