Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)
The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) gives the public the right to request federal agency records and requires federal agencies to proactively make certain records available. This website is the portal to the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) FOIA program. The FOIA, 5 U.S.C. 552, as amended, is based on the principle of openness in government and generally provides that any person has a right, enforceable in court, of access to federal agency records, except to the extent that such records (or portions thereof) are protected from disclosure by one of nine exemptions or by one of three special law enforcement record exclusions.
To make a request for BSEE records, a requester must write directly to the bureau. The request must
- be in writing, by fax (703-787-1207), or by mail or email to bseefoia@bsee.gov
- specifically cite the Freedom of Information Act
- reasonably describe the records sought
- indicate a willingness to pay fees, if required, or ask for a fee waiver
Mail to:
BSEE, Mail Stop HE-2204, 381 Elden St, Atrium Bldg., Herndon, VA 20170
If you have questions on the BSEE FOIA process, please contact bseefoia@bsee.gov or call (703) 787-1404.
Bureau FOIA Officer
BSEE FOIA Officer
Mail Stop: HE 2204
381 Elden Street
Herndon, VA 20170-4817
Fax - 703-787-1207
How to Make Electronic Payments
Fee for Services
How to Request FOIA Information from BSEE and FOIA Contacts
Request Mailbox: BSEE FOIA
FOIA Requester Service Center (703) 787-1404
FOIA Public Liaison (703) 787-1689
BSEE Guide for FOIA information
BSEE FOIA Contacts
DOI Guide to Requesting Information Under FOIA
BSEE, in accordance with 43 CFR 2.26 and DOI guidance, uses a multi-track format of processing of FOIA requests. FOIA requests will be placed in one of three tracks based on the amount of time needed to process the request:
- Simple: 1-5 workdays.
- Normal: 20 workdays.
- Complex: Over 20 workdays.
Please Note: The time limits for all of the tracks above begin when a request, complying with the procedures in 43 CFR 2.8 and 2.10, is received by the FOIA contact at the bureau office that has the requested records.
Associated Documents
Department of the Interior's proposed new FOIA regulations
The Reorganization of the Former MMS (October 1, 2011)
Deepwater Horizon Library and Reading Room (June 9, 2010)
DOI Search and Review Fees (August 1, 2012)
Attorney General's Memorandum for Heads of Executive Departments and Agencies Concerning the Freedom of Information Act (March 19, 2009)
Guidance Communication sent to Agency Chief FOIA Officers, Agency Principal FOIA Contacts, and DOJ FOIA Officers Concerning the Implementation of President Obama's Memorandum on the Freedom of Information Act (January 23, 2009)
President Obama's Memorandum for the Heads of Executive Departments and Agencies Concerning the Freedom of Information Act (January 21, 2009)
Additional FOIA Sites/Reading Rooms
Library and Reading Room
Frequently requested FOIA documents (BSEE)
Frequently Requested FOIA documents (DOI)
DOI FOIA Library
Office of Natural Resources Revenue
BSEE Gulf of Mexico OCS Region
BSEE Alaska OCS Region
BSEE Pacific OCS Region
Other Resources
The Freedom of Information Act, as amended (5 U.S.C. 552)
Electronic Library of Interior Policies (ELIPS)
DOI FOIA Website
DOI FOIA Annual Report
FOIA Policy and Guidance
DOJ FOIA Website
Open Government Act of 2007
FOIA Executive Order (E.O. 13392) –Improving Agency Disclosure of Information
Directory of Key BSEE Officials
BSEE Leadership
BSEE Organization Chart