FIA-23-0027 - In the Matter of Peter Rickards

On September 11, 2023, the Office of Hearings and Appeals (OHA) granted the Freedom of Information (FOIA) Appeal filed by the Peter Rickards (Appellant) from a determination letter issued by the Department of Energy's (DOE) Idaho Operations Office (ID). On appeal, the Appellant challenged the adequacy of ID's search. After reviewing ID's response, we found that ID had failed to meet its obligation to make a good faith effort to interpret the Appellant's request. Therefore, we remand to ID, which shall confer with the Appellant to clarify his request, conduct a search, and release an appropriate determination letter. (OHA Case No. FIA-23-0027)