Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)

Under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), the public may access any Office of Hearings and Appeals (OHA) records unless the information in those records is protected by one of nine statutory exemptions. It is OHA's policy to make its records available to the public to the greatest extent feasible, in keeping with the spirit of the FOIA.

Since OHA makes its final decisions, regulations, and other information publicly available, a FOIA request may not be necessary. You may first want to use the links below to see if information you are seeking is available on our website. If it is not, you may submit a FOIA request to the appropriate OHA office. OHA is decentralized, and records are maintained in either the headquarters or field offices, depending upon where the matter is pending or was decided. You can view the OHA office locations using the organization links below. If you wish to submit a FOIA request to the headquarters office by email, you may do so by clicking on the following link:FOIA@oha.doi.gov.

If you are seeking general information about DOI or one of its bureaus or offices, you may wish to visit DOI’s home page or contact the Office of Communications/Public Affairs for the appropriate bureau. The information you are seeking may be available in one of DOI’s reading rooms or via the Internet. If it is not, you will need to submit a written FOIA request to DOI or the appropriate bureau or office. If you have questions on what information is available without submitting a FOIA request or where information may be located, contact one of the FOIA Contacts.

Electronic Reading Room

OHA’s Electronic Reading Room consists of documents required to be made available by the FOIA and other publicly available information. By clicking on Search Decisions, you will find final opinions rendered in the adjudication of cases as required by 5 U.S.C. 552(a)(2). By clicking on the OHA organization links below, you will find explanatory and contact information and applicable procedural regulations.

OHA Organization, Resources, and Procedural Documents

• Office of the Director
• Interior Board of Indian Appeals
• Interior Board of Land Appeals
• Departmental Cases Hearings Division
• Probate Hearings Division
• WELSA Hearings Division

Department of the Interior

For information on DOI policy statements, administrative staff manuals and instructions affecting a member of the public, and copies of records frequently requested under the FOIA, please visit the DOI FOIA website: http://www.doi.gov/foia/