Since 1967, the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) has provided the public the right to request access to records from any federal agency. It is often described as the law that keeps citizens in the know about their government. Federal agencies are required to disclose any information requested under the FOIA unless it falls under one of nine exemptions that protect interests such as personal privacy, national security, and law enforcement.
The FOIA also requires agencies to proactively post online certain categories of information, including frequently requested records. As Congress, the President, and the Supreme Court have all recognized, the FOIA is a vital part of our democracy.
For more information about the FOIA, please visit the FOIA.gov website or the USGS FOIA Reading Room.
Related Content
When should I use a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to request information?
All USGS products and publications are in the public domain. Most are readily available for free download on our websites. Before launching a potentially time-consuming Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request, make sure that the information you need cannot be easily obtained by immediate means. Visit the USGS website, explore our FOIA Reading Room (with links to oft-requested documents), or...
How do I request information under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)?
There are several ways to submit a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request: Submit a request through the National FOIA Portal. Use the Department of the Interior’s FOIA Request Form. Email your request to foia@usgs.gov. Put “Freedom of Information Act Request” in the subject line. Write a letter to the USGS FOIA Office using one of the addresses listed on the USGS FOIA Connect page . Mark your...
What USGS products are already publicly available?
As the Nation’s largest water, earth, and biological science and civilian mapping agency, we have numerous types of products. Most of these--including data, tools, maps, and publications--are publicly available through our website. Almost all digital materials can be downloaded at no cost to the public. For information about USGS science, products and data contact USGS Science Information Services...
What information should I include in my Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request?
While you are not required to give a reason for your request, you should be as specific as possible when describing the records that you seek. That will produce faster and better results. Phrases like “any and all” can significantly delay the processing time and potentially increase your processing fee. Prior to submitting your request, we suggest that you: Check the USGS website and/or contact...
What information/data is NOT covered by the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)?
Information/data that is NOT covered by the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) includes: Non-agency records and personal records. Public requests for access to physical artifacts or scientific samples (e.g. core samples, sediment, rocks, fossils, specimen samples, blood samples). Access to some samples can be arranged through our laboratories. Files that are protected from disclosure by any of nine...
Is there a cost for obtaining federal records under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)?
By law, the USGS is authorized to charge Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) processing fees to requesters in order to recover the direct costs of search, review, and duplication of requested records. The fees depend on the requester category into which you fall. If the total costs of supplying the requested information is less than 50 dollars, the USGS will waive any applicable FOIA processing fees...
How long will it take to process my Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request?
The USGS uses a multi-track processing system. We distinguish simple requests from more complex ones based on the estimated number of workdays needed to process the request. Factors include the number of pages involved in processing the request and the need for consultations with other federal agencies.Requests within each track are processed and responded to on a first-in/first-out basis...
How do I check the status of my U.S. Geological Survey Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request?
Check the status of your FOIA request using the Department of the Interior’s Track Your FOIA Request webpage. Additionally, you can check the status of your FOIA request (this is only for information from the U.S. Geological Survey) by contacting the USGS FOIA office using any of the following methods: Email: foia@usgs.gov Mail: P.O. Box 66783, Albuquerque, NM 87193
Can I ask that any Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) processing fees be waived?
Yes, you can request a waiver of Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) processing fees. Under the FOIA, fee waivers are limited to situations in which a requester can show that the disclosure of the requested information is in the public interest because it is likely to contribute significantly to public understanding of the operations and activities of the government and is not primarily in the...
What can I do if I cannot find a publication in the USGS Publications Warehouse?
If you can't find a known publication in our USGS Publications Warehouse, first try contacting the Publications Warehouse Team. If a print copy is readily available to them, they’re sometimes able to scan it and post it online for free download within a few days.If that doesn’t work, chances are good that the publication can be requested through Interlibrary Loan. Ask about Interlibrary Loan...
Related Content
- FAQ
When should I use a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to request information?
All USGS products and publications are in the public domain. Most are readily available for free download on our websites. Before launching a potentially time-consuming Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request, make sure that the information you need cannot be easily obtained by immediate means. Visit the USGS website, explore our FOIA Reading Room (with links to oft-requested documents), or...
How do I request information under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)?
There are several ways to submit a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request: Submit a request through the National FOIA Portal. Use the Department of the Interior’s FOIA Request Form. Email your request to foia@usgs.gov. Put “Freedom of Information Act Request” in the subject line. Write a letter to the USGS FOIA Office using one of the addresses listed on the USGS FOIA Connect page . Mark your...
What USGS products are already publicly available?
As the Nation’s largest water, earth, and biological science and civilian mapping agency, we have numerous types of products. Most of these--including data, tools, maps, and publications--are publicly available through our website. Almost all digital materials can be downloaded at no cost to the public. For information about USGS science, products and data contact USGS Science Information Services...
What information should I include in my Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request?
While you are not required to give a reason for your request, you should be as specific as possible when describing the records that you seek. That will produce faster and better results. Phrases like “any and all” can significantly delay the processing time and potentially increase your processing fee. Prior to submitting your request, we suggest that you: Check the USGS website and/or contact...
What information/data is NOT covered by the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)?
Information/data that is NOT covered by the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) includes: Non-agency records and personal records. Public requests for access to physical artifacts or scientific samples (e.g. core samples, sediment, rocks, fossils, specimen samples, blood samples). Access to some samples can be arranged through our laboratories. Files that are protected from disclosure by any of nine...
Is there a cost for obtaining federal records under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)?
By law, the USGS is authorized to charge Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) processing fees to requesters in order to recover the direct costs of search, review, and duplication of requested records. The fees depend on the requester category into which you fall. If the total costs of supplying the requested information is less than 50 dollars, the USGS will waive any applicable FOIA processing fees...
How long will it take to process my Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request?
The USGS uses a multi-track processing system. We distinguish simple requests from more complex ones based on the estimated number of workdays needed to process the request. Factors include the number of pages involved in processing the request and the need for consultations with other federal agencies.Requests within each track are processed and responded to on a first-in/first-out basis...
How do I check the status of my U.S. Geological Survey Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request?
Check the status of your FOIA request using the Department of the Interior’s Track Your FOIA Request webpage. Additionally, you can check the status of your FOIA request (this is only for information from the U.S. Geological Survey) by contacting the USGS FOIA office using any of the following methods: Email: foia@usgs.gov Mail: P.O. Box 66783, Albuquerque, NM 87193
Can I ask that any Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) processing fees be waived?
Yes, you can request a waiver of Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) processing fees. Under the FOIA, fee waivers are limited to situations in which a requester can show that the disclosure of the requested information is in the public interest because it is likely to contribute significantly to public understanding of the operations and activities of the government and is not primarily in the...
What can I do if I cannot find a publication in the USGS Publications Warehouse?
If you can't find a known publication in our USGS Publications Warehouse, first try contacting the Publications Warehouse Team. If a print copy is readily available to them, they’re sometimes able to scan it and post it online for free download within a few days.If that doesn’t work, chances are good that the publication can be requested through Interlibrary Loan. Ask about Interlibrary Loan...
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