Open Government

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People have the right to know, and people’s participation could make the data related to air pollution be seen by the public, creating an open government. An open government is a governing philosophy that citizens, who plays a role as supervisors, have the right to access data and information maintained by the government, emphasizing transparency and accountability of the government. As Klein suggests that “when public opinion on the big social and political issues changes, the trends tend to be relatively gradual. Abrupt shifts, when they come, are usually precipitated by dramatic events” (Klein 35), the public’s opinion is inspired by the air pollution and events that threaten the public’s health. With the air pollution problem worsen in …show more content…
If key polluting coporations do not publish their information, residents can file a lawsuit, and the company must pay a daily fine. Chinese government’s first pioneer attempt revealed the government not merely pays attention to citizens’ opinions, but also encourages residents to fight against corporations’ illegal activities. Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) of the United States, which provides database that includes information about toxic chemical release and pollution prevention activities to the public, is an example to present that information disclosure and public participation are complementary to each other. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the TRI Program was created in response to serious chemical release events occurred in India and West Virginia that raised public concern about local preparedness for chemical emergencies and the availability of information on hazardous substances. Shortly after the release of the TRI, the media of the United States and environmental organizations exposed companies with the largest amount of toxic substances, attracting the public attention to these big