EPA Modernizes FOIA Regulations to Promote Transparency and Accountability, Make FOIA More Affordable, and Expedite Release of Information for Communities with Environmental Justice Concerns

Summary:

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced the Phase II Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) final rule, updating and modernizing its FOIA regulations to promote transparency, accountability, and public trust. The new rule aims to make FOIA more affordable and expedites access to information for communities potentially experiencing environmental justice concerns. Key features include a new standard for expediting FOIA requests, fee waivers for requests related to environmental justice, and revised fee rates. Additionally, the rule updates other FOIA regulations, eliminates the backlog of FOIA appeals, and improves the speed of responding to requests.