EPA Web Site Shut Down Draws Criticism

Feb. 21, 2000
The Working Group on Community Right-to-Know said EPA's recent shut down of its Web site is a denial of service attack by an anti-environmental congressman.

Last week, EPA temporarily shut down its Internet connection to its computer systems in order to protect sensitive and confidential information on those systems.

The shut down resulted from concern over a 15-page report by the General Accounting Office (GAO) that said its investigators found EPA's computer system "riddled with security weaknesses" to a point that the agency cannot assure protection of its most sensitive information.

Responding to the recent shut down, Paul Orum, with the Working Group on Community Right-to-Know, said the site is EPA's best new initiative for making public valuable information on toxic chemical pollution and other environmental issues.

Orum believes EPA's recent action is "a brilliant denial of service attack by an anti-environmental congressman."

"Virginia Congressman Tom Bliley, R-Va., has long opposed right-to-know laws that expose polluting industries to public scrutiny," said Orum. "Bliley is a leading recipient of campaign contributions from the chemical industry."

Bliley was the congressman who made public the GAO report on the vulnerability of EPA's site. He also called on EPA Administrator Carol M. Browner to shut down the Internet connection because EPA computers made the agency a target for hackers.

In defense of his actions, Bliley turned the blame toward Browner.

"It is unfortunate that the American people temporarily will not have access to the important public information contained on EPA's Web site," said Bliley. "That sad fact is the fault of no one other than EPA Administrator Carol Browner and her management team."

Bliley contends that if warning by security experts were headed by EPA, Wednesday night's shut down would not have been necessary.

Orum stands firm on his position that obstructionism is not the solution and as long as the site is down, the public is at a loss.

"Government, including Bliley and EPA, has a responsibility to provide public information to the public," said Orum. "Instead of denying public access to public information, EPA should keep confidential and personally identifiable data out of public databases, and take the same precautions that all other large institutions take to protect Web sites."

Orum also pointed out that it is difficult to substantiate Bliley's claim of the vulnerability of EPA's Web site, since the congressman has not released any documentation.

"EPA maintains that no confidential information has been disclosed," said Orum.

The GAO report said EPA's own records, "show several serious computer security incidents" in 1998 and 1999 "that have resulted in damage and disruption of agency operations."

EPA spokesman David Cohen said the agency for some time has been aware of the GAO's findings and has worked with investigators to improve security.

About the Author

EHS Today Staff

EHS Today's editorial staff includes:

Dave Blanchard, Editor-in-Chief: During his career Dave has led the editorial management of many of Endeavor Business Media's best-known brands, including IndustryWeekEHS Today, Material Handling & LogisticsLogistics Today, Supply Chain Technology News, and Business Finance. In addition, he serves as senior content director of the annual Safety Leadership Conference. With over 30 years of B2B media experience, Dave literally wrote the book on supply chain management, Supply Chain Management Best Practices (John Wiley & Sons, 2021), which has been translated into several languages and is currently in its third edition. He is a frequent speaker and moderator at major trade shows and conferences, and has won numerous awards for writing and editing. He is a voting member of the jury of the Logistics Hall of Fame, and is a graduate of Northern Illinois University.

Adrienne Selko, Senior Editor: In addition to her roles with EHS Today and the Safety Leadership Conference, Adrienne is also a senior editor at IndustryWeek and has written about many topics, with her current focus on workforce development strategies. She is also a senior editor at Material Handling & Logistics. Previously she was in corporate communications at a medical manufacturing company as well as a large regional bank. She is the author of Do I Have to Wear Garlic Around My Neck?, which made the Cleveland Plain Dealer's best sellers list.

Nicole Stempak, Managing Editor:  Nicole Stempak is managing editor of EHS Today and conference content manager of the Safety Leadership Conference.

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