Was today the first day data were made available to Google, et. al?
Response: No, EPA data have been available in the past via a variety of EPA web applications (Envirofacts: www.epa.gov/enviro for example). The data have been available via a Freedom of Information Act request, also. However, the data had not been readily available via a structured documented download service before this data service release. Question: Is this the first time a government agency has made an XML file available in this way? If not, were other agencies an inspiration? Which ones? Response: No, EPAs Regions have been making data available in XML format for sometime. Additionally, XML is just one of the data transfer formats used by some EPA Programs in making data available to partners. In terms of other Agencies it is EPA’s understanding that the USGS has made available data sets to the public via XML and other data formats. Question: Many EPA programs are delegated to the States and the “most recent up-to-date” information resides with them. Is there an effort to bring th
