CEQ Simplifies FOIA and Privacy Rules for Public
Published Date: 1/21/2025
Rule
Summary
The Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) is updating its rules to make it easier for you to get government info under the Freedom of Information Act and protect your privacy under the Privacy Act. These changes simplify the language, reorganize the rules, and reflect current practices. The new rules kick in on February 20, 2025, with no extra costs for you—just clearer, faster access!
Analyzed Economic Effects
9 provisions identified: 7 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
CEQ response time rules (20-day standard)
CEQ will make an initial determination on FOIA requests within 20 working days of receipt, subject to extensions for listed "unusual circumstances." CEQ may toll the 20-day period for clarifying information and will administratively close your request if you do not respond to an inquiry within 30 working days.
CEQ simplifies FOIA and Privacy Act rules
CEQ rewrote its Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and Privacy Act rules to use clearer language, reorganize and renumber sections, and reflect current practice so it is easier for you to find and use the rules. The revised rules take effect on February 20, 2025.
How to submit a FOIA request
To request CEQ records you must email [email protected] or use the request form at https://www.foia.gov; if you cannot use those methods, contact CEQ's FOIA Public Liaison for help. CEQ directs requesters to submit requests electronically when able.
Fees still apply for FOIA requests
CEQ will continue to charge fees for processing FOIA requests (but not for appeals) following OMB's Uniform FOIA Fee Schedule and Guidelines; CEQ may require advance payment and describes fee categories, fee waivers, and special-requester exceptions for non‑commercial scientific institutions, educational institutions, and the news media.
Privacy Act fees and small entities
Under the Privacy Act, CEQ will follow the rule that fees may be charged only to individuals; CEQ states it will not charge fees under the Privacy Act to small entities within the meaning of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
Expedited processing rules and deadlines
You can request expedited handling; CEQ will grant it if failing to expedite would pose an imminent threat to life or safety or if you’re primarily engaged in disseminating information (e.g., the news media) with an urgent public need. CEQ will notify you within 10 calendar days whether expedited processing is granted.
Requests and requester identities generally public
CEQ states that FOIA requests, including the requester's identity, are generally matters of public record and CEQ publishes logs of requests and requesters at https://www.whitehouse.gov/ceq/foia/.
Accessibility and language assistance
CEQ will provide individuals with disabilities comparable access to FOIA information unless doing so imposes an undue burden, and will take steps as appropriate to provide meaningful access for people with limited English proficiency.
CEQ preserves records subject to requests
CEQ will not dispose of or destroy agency records that are the subject of a pending FOIA request, appeal, or lawsuit, and preserves records under title 44 U.S.C. and Archivist schedules.
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Key Dates
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