Interior’s Proposed FOIA Limits May Be Illegal, Watchdogs Say

Former Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke faces multiple investigations into his conduct, but one of his last official acts could make it harder for the public to find out what he did while in office.

The department proposed a rule Dec. 28 that would give it the right to sidestep “unreasonably burdensome” Freedom of Information Act requests seeking government documents, including emails, memos, guidance, and other written communications.

The change would also let Interior decline to respond to “extremely broad or vague requests or requests requiring research” under FOIA.

Not only would the change make it harder to scrutinize actions ...