What Is The Freedom Of Information Act?
The Freedom of Information Act requires the government to disclose its records to the public at large. For example, this act would allow someone to request the Environmental Protection Agency to release records that reveal if a certain building contains asbestos. Information that cannot be revealed includes data regarding
- National defense and foreign policy secrets;
- Trade secrets;
- The agency`s rules and practices regarding its personnel;
- Interagency legal and policy documents;
- Personnel files and other records whose disclosure would invade someone`s privacy;
- Documents involving financial institutions and
- Some geological surveys.
If the requested information has already been disclosed to the public, the agency does not have to reveal it again. If you do not know which governmental agency can supply you with the information you need, you can contact the Federal Information Center at PO Box 600, Cumberland, Maryland 21502 or at the following phone numbers:
| SITUATION | TELEPHONE NUMBER |
| Eastern Time Zone | (800) 3471997 |
| Central Time Zone | (800) 7358004 |
| Mountain Time Zone | (800) 3593997 |
| Pacific Time Zone | (800) 7264995 |
| Alaska | (800) 7298003 |
| Hawaii | (800) 7335996 |
| If you are deaf and use telecommunication devices | (800) 3262996 |
The agency must inform you whether it will grant your request within ten days of receiving your request. If an agency denies your request, it must tell you why and inform you of your right to appeal its decision through the federal court system. Usually courts are reluctant to rule against an agency`s decision.
Other Environmental Agency FAQs
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What Is The National Environmental Policy Act Of 1969?
A: The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 required the federal government to make a commitment in working with both state and local governments to monitor the … More -
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What Is The Council On Environmental Quality?
A: The Council on Environmental Quality was established by the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. It annually reports to the president about the current state of … More -
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What Is The Environmental Protection Agency?
A: President Richard Nixon created the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 1970. It administers the vast majority of environmental laws and also coordinates … More -
Q:
What Is The Clean Air Act?
A: The Clean Air Act was established in 1955. In 1970, the responsibility for setting airquality standards was switched from the state governments to the federal … More -
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What Is The Federal Water Pollution Control Act?
A: The Federal Water Pollution Control Act became a law in 1948. It initially dealt with pollution from the discharge of waste that came from sewagetreatment, … More -
Q:
What Is The Safe Drinking Water Act Of 1974?
A: The Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974 requires the EPA for ascertaining what chemicals and other substances contaminate water and for establishing acceptable levels for … More -
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What Is The Lead Contamination Control Act?
A: The Lead Contamination Control Act, which was established in 1988, prohibits producing water coolers that contain leadlined tanks. Coolers that already contained lead … More -
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What Is The Marine Protection, Research And Sanctuaries Act?
A: The Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act was enacted in 1972. It grants the EPA the power to require companies to get a special permit before dumping waste … More -
Q:
What Is The Federal Insecticide, Fungicide And Rodenticide Act?
A: The Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act requires the registering of all pesticide products before they are used. The manufacturer must prove that the … More -
Q:
What Is The Resource Conservation And Recovery Act?
A: The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act requires anyone who generates, transports or disposes of harmful pollutants to keep strict records. Any facility that keeps … More
Environmental Sub-categories
| Smoking In The Workplace |
