EPA Web Site Was Down, It's Okay Now....but There's a Question...

[Diane McCreary <mccreary.diane@epa.gov>]

Oh, nooooooo...right in the midst of an online discussion on disseminating environmental information, EPA's web server acts up and the site goes down.  Now that's irony.  The entire site was unavailable for the best part of two hours this morning, beginning at about 7 am. It is now back up and running.  The technical support folks apologize for any inconvenience.

This does bring up, though, a question regarding the limits of electronic access.  In spite of all best efforts, web sites are vulnerable in many ways.  EPA's web site was down for the best part of a week in February due to security problems.  Where does the public go then, particularly the public with a deadline?  There is also a significant portion of the public that does not have, or, in some cases, doesn't want, electronic access.  To what extent, if any, should the Agency provide alternate methods of accessing information?  What should those methods be?   Any thoughts?

Again, our apologies for the web site problem.