16 USC 4304: Specific location of significant caves.
About This Project
This project uses data compiled by the Sunshine in Government initiative, a coalition of journalism and transparency groups. SGI compiled data from federal agency annual FOIA reports to track how often b(3) exemptions were used. SGI also standardized the exemptions since some agencies used slightly different citations of the same laws. In some cases, agencies listed general laws without specifying a section under which information was withheld. This project does not include information from agencies that use no b(3) exemptions in 2008 or 2009. ProPublica compiled information about FOIA denials.
| Department | Claims |
|---|---|
| Dept. of Agriculture | 2.0 |
| Dept. of Interior | 1.0 |
TITLE 16--CONSERVATION
CHAPTER 63--FEDERAL CAVE RESOURCES PROTECTION
Sec. 4304. Confidentiality of information concerning nature and
location of significant caves
(a) In general
Information concerning the specific location of any significant cave
may not be made available to the public under section 552 of title 5
unless the Secretary determines that disclosure of such information
would further the purposes of this chapter and would not create a
substantial risk of harm, theft, or destruction of such cave.
(b) Exceptions
Notwithstanding subsection (a) of this section, the Secretary may
make available information regarding significant caves upon the written
request by Federal and State governmental agencies or bona fide
educational and research institutions. Any such written request shall,
at a minimum--
(1) describe the specific site or area for which information is
sought;
(2) explain the purpose for which such information is sought;
and
(3) include assurances satisfactory to the Secretary that
adequate measures are being taken to protect the confidentiality of
such information and to ensure the protection of the significant
cave from destruction by vandalism and unauthorized use.
(Pub. L. 100-691, Sec. 5, Nov. 18, 1988, 102 Stat. 4548.)