FIA-24-0042 - In the Matter of Michael Cole

On July 31, 2024, the Office of Hearings and Appeals (OHA) denied a Freedom of Information (FOIA) appeal filed by Michael Cole (Appellant) from a determination letter issued by the Department of Energy's (DOE) Office of Science-Consolidated Service Center, Chicago/Lemont location (SC CSC- CH). The Appellant submitted a FOIA request seeking information regarding the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory's (PPPL) requests for legal advice related to its contractual obligations to DOE . The Appellant challenged SC CSC-CH's denial of his request for a waiver of fees associated with the processing of his request. After reviewing the appeal, OHA concluded the Appellant did not establish he was able to disseminate information obtained from the records to the public, or that the disclosure of the requested records would significantly contribute to the public's understanding of government operations or activities. Accordingly, the Appellant's appeal was denied. (OHA Case No. FIA-24-0042)