EPA released the data for the calendar year 2009 Toxics Release Inventory on July 28, 2010. The lag — just a month after the July 1 deadline for emitters to report the data — was far shorter than in most previous years, enabling reporters to cover issues using data that likely is still current.

However, the early release includes only about 80% of the total expected submissions. Updates should be available in August and September, and the agency will release its analysis later in 2010. Only at that time will it be possible to look at category totals, trends, and other aspects that require 100% of the data. Meanwhile, you can report immediately on many local emitters, including evaluations of their totals and trends.