The Right-to-Know Network

The Right-to-Know Network provides free access to numerous databases and resources on the environment. With the information available on RTK NET, you can identify specific factories and their environmental effects; find permits issued under environmental statutes; and identify civil cases filed.

There are no fees; RTK NET is free. It was established in order to empower citizen involvement in community and government decision-making. You can access RTK NET via the web at www.rtknet.org . RTK NET offers the following:

• Databases: We provide access to several government databases on the environment and we let you search them for free. We are continuously adding and updating our databases as soon as the information becomes available. To learn more about the databases, see our Databases page.
• Technical Support: We provide a user manual and other materials that help you access and search the databases (online access to these materials are available under help and documents). In addition, you are welcome to call us if you have problems accessing or searching the databases.

RTK NET was started in 1989 in support of the Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act (EPCRA), which mandated public access to the Toxic Release Inventory. It is operated by the Center for Effective Government. In the past it was funded by various government agencies through a previous partner, Unison Institute, and foundations.
"The site is user-friendly, and detailed help screens, including a glossary of terms and a data dictionary, are provided for each database. The environmental data collected are regularly updated and comprehensive. The search interface is straightforward; site visitors can search using standard report queries or by performing simple or advanced searches across a range of fields using either keyword or drop-down lists. Many different options to limit a search are also available (e.g., reporting year). Search results are displayed in easy-to-read tabular or graphical form (bar and pie charts) along with interactive maps. Report output options include HTML, ASCII, or XML formats. The overall value of the site is its comprehensiveness and convenient access to multiple resources; however, it is not unique, as this information can be directly obtained from the source websites. In addition, many states offer access to similar data from their agencies' websites." Reviewed in May 2013 issue of ACRL's Choice.