[Update] Leaked DOJ memo, reg waivers, and other Katrina updates (9-16)

With the glut of texts about hurricane Katrina and its (mis)management, I'd add the following sources and items to my interim analysis:

{9-16} Under political "emergency response", the Mississippie Clarion-Ledger reports on a leaked DOJ email, showing the Bush Administration staff is working to shift the blame to environmentalists. (HT Sierra Club) This comes on the heels of similar efforts by right-wing writers to blame enviro demands for an enviro impact analysis for levee work. However, there's nothing wrong with environmentally-sound levees and -- furthermore, the levees involved were NOT the ones that broke. (Also: the story reports that the Bush Admin cut $400 million from Army Corps requests for flood control.)

{New} FEMA's fearsome and fascinating list of governmental "waivers and dispensations" from INS, DOT, DOE, HHS, Coast Guard, etc. Much laudable. But, for instance, it notes that, on 8/30, EPA issued an "enforcement discretion determination to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers facilitating the pumping of [toxic] water out of flooded areas." Also, "the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration has issued emergency exemptions ... authorizing them to waive all hazardous materials transportation safety regulations (except those applicable to radioactive materials) on shipments to, from, and within the Hurricane Katrina disaster areas when necessary to support the recovery and relief efforts." How, if at all, is the FEMA allowing and handling public input and accountability on these reg waivers?!

(9-16) Joshua Marshall on behind the scenes legal fumbles at DHS by Chertoff (a Knight-Ridder story) and how Cheney responded rapidly (only) for a pipeline.

Follow the money. Tracking insider patronage with Halliburton (Effect Measure)(9-16). CNN on Halliburton's reconstruction contracts (HT to Adina Levin). Meanwhile, Bush suspends Davis-Bacon (Newman) and minimum wage law (Eyeteeth). The Administration is also weakening worker protection regs, eg DOT (HT Confined Space)(See new FEMA link, above.). Gas prices chart & (conservative) analysis.

{New} Terrific debunking of myths about Katrina. Local govt at fault, too. Brian's selection of Katrina links.

Wikipedia has an excellent series on Katrina, including one on criticism of government agencies and leaders. Discussion of crisis management, debris, etc at Impact analysis.

Media questions about Homeland Security (via Town Crier): Breakdowns Marked Path From Hurricane to Anarchy (NYT) and After 9/11, a master plan for disasters was drawn. It didn't weather the storm (LA Times)

Political misjudgments update by Eyeteeth.

Critique of federal aid package. Alternatives for Katrina donors, as recommended by Nathan Newman and Hungry Blues (the People's Hurricane Relief Fund). Sabbath Meals reports on "Sharon Wachsler, a disability rights activist, put together an email listing the organizations that are helping people with disabilities on the ground in New Orleans. She recommends donating to Food Not Bombs."

See also comments on interim report and my comment to Hassagot, who downplays the duties of the federal government. I welcome other suggested links for this post.

Kaspit

Comments

[susan]

My blog, Environmental Law Prof Blog, will continue to cover environmental and environmental law aspects of Hurricane Katrina. www.lawprofessors.typepad.com/environmental_law