U.S. Chamber Applauds New Freedom of Information Act Guidelines on Transparency and Accountability

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Chamber of Commerce commends President Obama for following through on his campaign promise for a more open government by calling for new Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) guidelines reaffirming his Administration's commitment to accountability and transparency.

In one of his first acts of office, President Obama Wednesday directed the U.S. Attorney General and the Director of the Office and Management and Budget to immediately develop the new FOIA guidelines that reflect a profound national commitment to transparency.

"Improving FIOA as his first order of business provides a clear indication of President Obama's commitment to an open government," said William L. Kovacs, Chamber vice president for Environment, Technology and Regulatory Affairs. "It shows that President Obama intends to make data access, data quality, accountability, and transparency – policies essential to good business and good government – the hallmarks of his Administration."

"President Obama has instructed his agencies to adopt a presumption in favor of disclosure when it comes to information," continued Kovacs. "This is a very sound policy, but it is only the first step in achieving transparency in the federal government. Hopefully, transparency will be extended to the use of the best quality science under the Data Quality Act, peer review, and that all studies used by agencies in the rulemaking process are available to the public.

The U.S. Chamber is the world's largest business federation, representing more than 3 million businesses and organizations of every size, sector, and region.

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