FOIA Appeal; Adequacy of the Search; Denied
Office of Hearings and Appeals
December 20, 2024On December 20, 2024, the Office of Hearings and Appeals (OHA) denied a Freedom of Information ( FOIA) appeal filed by Rachel Santarsiero (Appellant) from a determination letter issued by the Department of Energy's (DOE) Office Public Information (OPI). In the determination letter, OPI stated that a search was conducted, but no responsive records were located. On appeal, the Appellant challenged the adequacy of the search. After consideration, OHA concluded that OPI's search was reasonably calculated to uncover all relevant documents. Accordingly, OHA denied the appeal. (OHA Case No. FIA-25-0010)