Justice Blogs

OIP posts a Toolkit comprised of 13 modules to help agencies assess their FOIA program.

New guidance encourages multitrack processing and a focus on closing the ten oldest requests and consultations as agencies close out FY 2017.

As a new official within the Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD), I have appreciated the positive outreach from a wide range of stakeholders, especially our State partners. State attorney general offices and State environmental officials have reached out or visited the ENRD front office to share their perspectives across a broad range of issues. The Environmental Council of the States, the Association of Air Pollution Control Agencies, and other State associations have afforded me an opportunity to visit with their members to hear about their concerns and priorities. I have tried to approach these first few months of the new administration with open ears, listening more and speaking less, particularly when it comes to the States. On many occasions, when discussing a matter that is taking place in a particular State, I have asked our ENRD attorneys a straightforward question: What does the State have to say about it?

OIP announces two new Best Practices Workshops for this summer focusing on collaboration between requesters and agencies and self-assessments for agency FOIA programs.