Expanding the Public's Right to Know:
Materials Accounting Data as a Tool for Promoting Environmental Justice and Pollution Prevention

December 2000

Steven J. Anderson, Alicia A. Culver, Mark H. Dorfman, Amy S. Hughes (2000, 40 pp.,), ISBN 0-918780-76-4

Of all the states, New Jersey is one that has taken the lead (along with Massachusetts) in collecting the information residents need to monitor not only the amount of toxic chemicals released as waste by local facilities, but also how these materials are used and the amounts transported through the community. This "how-to" guide provides the basics on how New Jersey's "materials accounting database" can be used to learn about plant practices so environmental, worker, public health, and consumer groups can engage in discussions with plant personnel as well-informed and capable advocates. Also compares New Jersey's program with the US EPA's less comprehensive national Toxics Release Inventory and argues for its adoption by other states or nationwide.