The cost of information

[Glenn Landers <glenn.landers@sierraclub.org>]

I may be jumping the gun a bit, but I want to raise this issue now because it has to do with whether information is in a useable form.

I use the internet for much of my research, as I am sure many of us on this forum do. There is a limit however to how much material I can read from my screen, so I print out a lot of information. Some things, too, are inconvenient to read on screen, like a permit, which requires a lot of flipping back and forth.  This can end up costing a lot.
 
Although some information can be obtained free from EPA by a phone call or email, there some delays. Other important documents, especially some technical information that would be useful in permit comment periods, must be purchased.

The problem is aggravated for people who have to do their research at a library, where they may or may not be able to print out information and, even if they do, the per page fee can be a lot. 

I'd like to see some better mechanism for distributing information. EPA has been putting more and more documents on the web and I hope that effort continues. But, I'd also like to see assistance in getting those documents turned into hardcopies when necessary.  

I've suggested in a previous forum that some form of print on demand capability is needed in libraries, with funding from EPA. Citizens should be able to go to the library and get copies of permits and applications for free. Other documents might be printable for a reasonable, low cost. 

I'd recommend first a pilot project in an EJ community, because that's where the need is probably the greatest. My guess is that no what where it's done, the quality and quantity of participation would greatly improve.