Greg Abbott

Editorial: Abbott’s policy on public access to chemical information illogical

2014-07-07T14:47:31-05:00

Austin American-Statesman Originally published July 6, 2014 When it comes to defending Texans’ right to know what their government is doing, state Attorney General Greg Abbott has been not just a watchdog, but a biting dog. During his political career, Abbott has demonstrated a commitment to government transparency second to no other current statewide elected official. In 2005, he was awarded the James Madison Award by the Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas. Abbott spoke these memorable words then: “Texas functions best when public officials recognize that government does not belong to them but to the people.” (To read the rest [...]

Editorial: Abbott’s policy on public access to chemical information illogical2014-07-07T14:47:31-05:00

Abbott: Ask chemical plants what’s inside

2014-07-02T14:28:40-05:00

By Jay Root The Texas Tribune Originally published July 1, 2014 Republican Attorney General Greg Abbott, under fire for blocking public access to state records documenting the location of dangerous chemicals, said Texans still have a right to find out where the substances are stored — as long as they know which companies to ask. “You know where they are if you drive around,” Abbott told reporters Tuesday. “You can ask every facility whether or not they have chemicals or not. You can ask them if they do, and they can tell you, well, we do have chemicals or we don’t have [...]

Abbott: Ask chemical plants what’s inside2014-07-02T14:28:40-05:00

Hazardous chemical lists no longer public record in Texas

2014-06-13T17:28:21-05:00

By Brett Shipp WFAA.com Originally published June 12, 2014 DALLAS -- For the past 30 years, federal law has required chemical makers and handlers to disclose what's stored on premises. It's called the Community Right To Know Act, and it has been at the core of the safety conversation since last year's deadly fertilizer explosion in West, Texas. But News 8 has learned that in the past few weeks, state health officials have stopped making those hazardous chemical records public. On May 29, emergency responders in Athens, Texas, were faced with a potential disaster. An old storage building filled with explosive [...]

Hazardous chemical lists no longer public record in Texas2014-06-13T17:28:21-05:00

Abbott reverses course, says execution drug supplier name can be kept secret

2014-05-30T15:24:25-05:00

By Nomaan Merchant and Michael Graczyk Associated Press, via U.S. News and World Report Originally published May 30, 2014 DALLAS (AP) — Texas can keep secret the name of its supplier for its execution drugs, the state attorney general determined after law enforcement argued that suppliers face serious danger. In the decision, Attorney General Greg Abbott's Office cited a "threat assessment" signed by Texas Department of Public Safety director Steven McCraw that says pharmacies selling execution drugs face "a substantial threat of physical harm." Thursday's decision was a reversal for the state's top prosecutor on an issue being challenged in several [...]

Abbott reverses course, says execution drug supplier name can be kept secret2014-05-30T15:24:25-05:00

Abbott Suggests New Privacy Laws

2013-11-21T21:46:51-06:00

By Alexa Ura Texas Tribune Originally published Nov 21, 2013 Attorney General Greg Abbott's support for more stringent privacy laws is getting some notice, as privacy rights activists say his proposals would lead to more protections for Texans. But concerns tied to the enforcement of the proposed policies are also being raised.   The Republican gubernatorial candidate has recommended requiring state agencies that collect personal information to acquire individual consent before selling or releasing any data, and he has proposed granting individuals property rights over their DNA information. Deborah Peel, founder and chairwoman of Patient Privacy Rights, said Abbott’s proposals would give residents unprecedented [...]

Abbott Suggests New Privacy Laws2013-11-21T21:46:51-06:00

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