The author of the post recast information that was on our website two or three years ago, and – deliberately or not – has created the impression that we are environmental activists, which we are most emphatically not.

Specifically, SEJ is NOT part of the “green movement,” nor are our 1500+ members a “cadre of environmentalist-journalists,” nor did SEJ’s founders form the group out of “a common cause: environmentalism.” We cannot and do not take any positions whatsoever on environmental issues.

We also don’t “seek to compel” our members to provide excellent coverage, although we certainly hope they do.

In the description of SEJ’s publication, Watchdog Tipsheet, your writer attributes to SEJ the news that “the public domain has progressively lost track of some hazardous chemical sites.” That’s not something SEJ has charged. We have reported that shortly after the attacks of September 11, 2001, the federal government took down many websites which posted information about chemical plants, nuclear power plants, underground pipelines and the like, all in the name of national security.

For the record, I am the current president of SEJ, and Tim Wheeler is now the immediate past president. Carolyn Whetzel is the First Vice President and Programs Chair, Peter Fairley is Second Vice President and Membership Chair, Don Hopey is the Treasurer and Peter Thomson is the Secretary.

SEJ is a 501c3 non-profit educational organization. SEJ’s vision is: “credible and robust journalism that informs and engages society on environmental issues,” and SEJ’s mission is: “to strengthen the quality, reach and viability of journalism across all media to advance public understanding of environmental issues.”

In the past few years, our membership has grown to more than 1500 journalists, students and teachers who cover the environment. No one can be an SEJ member if s/he lobbies or does public relations on environmental issues. Additionally, as your post accurately reflects, we have a strict financial firewall ensuring that SEJ does not accept funding from business, the government, or environmental groups.

I don’t mean to quibble about these things, but SEJ’s independence from any political or ideological influence is critical to our mission, our funding and our credibility.

Honestly, much as we appreciate the intended honor, SEJ does not qualify to be one of your “Leaders of the Green Movement.”

Christy George, SEJ President