FIA-24-0039 - In the Matter of Tonya Mead

On July 22, 2024, the Office of Hearings and Appeals (OHA) denied a Freedom of Information (FOIA) appeal filed by Tonya Mead (Appellant) from a determination letter issued by the Department of Energy's (DOE) Office of Public Information (OPI). The Appellant submitted a FOIA request seeking data of federal employees' eligibility for, and participation in, telework and remote work arrangements, from years 2019 to 2023. The Appellant challenged the DOE OPI's denial of her request for a waiver of fees associated with the processing of her request. After reviewing the appeal, OHA concluded the Appellant did not establish she was able to disseminate information obtained from the records to the public, or that disclosure of the requested records would contribute to the public's understanding of government operations or activities. Accordingly, the Appellant's appeal was denied. (OHA Case No . FIA-24-0039)