Search Results for keywords:"Freedom of Information Act"

The Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) has finalized new regulations for the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and the Privacy Act, reflecting updates from the FOIA Improvement Act of 2016. These revisions aim to make the regulations easier to understand and use, improving public access to government records and information. The final rules also incorporated public feedback, with changes ensuring transparency and a presumption of openness while also addressing how requests and appeals are processed. Additionally, the CEQ has updated administrative procedures, including the handling of fees and how appeals are managed, to align with current policies and practices.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has updated its rules related to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to better reflect modern costs and practices. Changes include adjustments to the fees associated with providing information, such as increasing photocopy fees from $0.10 to $0.15 per page and eliminating fees for fully redacted pages. The CPSC will also no longer charge for electronic files due to minimal costs. Additionally, the rule outlines new procedures for fee notifications and payments, as well as updates reflecting changes in CPSC's organizational structure and practices.

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is requesting public feedback on renewing the Office of Management and Budget's (OMB) approval for collecting information titled "Public Records." This collection involves NRC Forms 507 and 509 used in its Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) process. The NRC is updating these forms to notify requesters about processing fees and other aspects related to FOIA requests. Comments should be submitted by March 9, 2021, and can be sent electronically or by mail to the addresses provided.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has updated its Statement of Organization for the Office of the General Counsel (OGC). This update clarifies the roles, responsibilities, and structure of the OGC, including the addition of their participation in the Inter-Agency False Claims Act Working Group. Key components such as the Mission, Organization, and Functions of the OGC are detailed, emphasizing the legal services provided to the Secretary and other parts of the department. The revised document also outlines how it nullifies all previous statements of organization.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has announced a proposal to renew an information collection activity under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA). This activity gathers bird count data for over 600 North American bird species, which helps in assessing bird populations and trends. Public comments on this collection are invited until March 10, 2025, and individuals who choose to participate in submitting data do so voluntarily. The USGS protects any proprietary information provided and estimates that responding will take about 11 hours on average per submission.

The Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System is asking for public comments on a proposal to continue collecting data for the Quarterly Report of Assets and Liabilities of Large Foreign Offices of U.S. Banks (form number FR 2502q) for three more years. This report, submitted quarterly by certain U.S. banks and financial companies with significant foreign branches, helps monitor these institutions' claims and liabilities overseas. The Board is particularly interested in comments about the necessity and usefulness of the information collected, the time it takes to do so, and the estimated costs involved. Comments must be submitted by April 5, 2021.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has finalized changes to its Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) regulations to align with the FOIA Improvement Act of 2016. These updates aim to make procedures for accessing information more accessible and clearly outlined for public understanding. The new rule reorganizes SSA's FOIA guidelines, clarifies terms like "commercial interest," and provides extensive details on processing requests, fees, and exemptions. The SSA hopes these changes will improve transparency and efficiency for both the agency and the public.

The U.S. Department of Energy is implementing a new rule that exempts certain records from the Privacy Act of 1974 because those records contain classified information. This new system, known as DOE-85, involves research, technology, and economic security reviews and aims to manage risks related to national security and foreign policy. The rule is effective January 16, 2025, and is tailored to protect classified information while allowing DOE to coordinate effectively with other agencies. Despite public concerns, the DOE maintains that these exemptions are necessary and do not violate laws like the Freedom of Information Act.

The Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) is proposing updates to its regulations for the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and the Privacy Act. These changes aim to incorporate amendments from the FOIA Improvement Act of 2016, align with Department of Justice guidance, and improve public understanding and usability of the rules. Additionally, the updated rules are designed to better represent CEQ's current policies and practices, and include reorganizing and renaming sections for simplicity. Importantly, these proposals reflect CEQ's dedication to open information sharing while ensuring personal data is managed properly under the Privacy Act.