Have I got good news for you.
As you’ll recall, we spent much of last year reporting on nitrate in Nebraska’s groundwater and its impact on our health and our communities. As part of that reporting, we requested emails from the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy. The department initially told us the records would cost $2,000. As we negotiated with them, reducing the scope of our request, the cost ballooned, jumping to more than $44,000.
The explanation for the charge seemed to be at odds with our reading of the public records law. The agency wouldn’t budge. So, with the help of attorney Daniel Gutman, we sued.
As a donor, you should be the first to know that we have prevailed. Judge Ryan Post’s decision affirms that the law should be read exactly as it’s written. It means the agency needs to come back, in good faith, with a fee that complies with the law. It means that, barring any more funny business, we’re going to get records that may tell an important piece of the story.
The fight’s not entirely over; the Department has a right to appeal. But this ruling is undoubtably good news for us. It’s good news for journalists. It’s great news for the public’s right to know and, ultimately, all Nebraskans.
I’m proud that we are positioned to take on this righteous fight. And make no mistake, that’s entirely thanks to you. Your support gave us the confidence to file this suit. Without you, there would be no reporter, no story, no request. There would have been no way to even know this abuse was taking place.
Thank you. This is your victory as much as anyone’s.
Enjoy.
Sincerely,
—Matt Wynn, Executive Director
