"Pressure Mounts Against EPA's New FOIA Rule"

"A Democratic lawmaker along with a group of nearly 40 media publications are raising concerns over a new Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) public information rule that could allow political officials more leeway to withhold requested documents.

In a letter sent Tuesday evening, Rep. Katie Porter (D-Calif.) asked EPA chief Andrew Wheeler to review and revise the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) rule, which she argues shrouds the process in secrecy and failed to go through the typical public comment period.

“Government transparency is central to our democracy. At a time when climate change threatens our communities, public access to the government’s work to address this crisis is essential,” Porter wrote."

Miranda Green reports for The Hill July 10, 2019.

SEE ALSO:

"EPA: Press, Green Groups Urge Delay For FOIA Regs" (Greenwire)

News Media Coalition Letter to EPA  (RCFP)

"Public Interest Groups Complain EPA’s FOIA Changes Will Limit Transparency" (Environmental Integrity Project release)

Public Interest Groups' Letter to EPA (Environmental Integrity Project)

"EPA Rule Lets Political Officials Block FOIA Document Requests" (Roll Call)

Opinion: "EPA's New Public Records Rule Lets Trump Administration Pollute In Private" (Meg Townsend, Center for Biological Diversity)

"SEJ Objects to EPA's 'Freedom of Information Act Regulations Update'" (SEJ)