These regulations contain many of the principles of the Freedom of Information Act 2000.  However they contain specific rights giving individuals access to a wide range of information affecting the environment.  If your request for information relates to environmental issues then your request will be handled under the Environmental Information Regulations 2004 (EIR).

The definition of environmental information is very broad and includes information on:

• the state of elements of the environment (such as air, water, soil, and, landscape and natural sites, flora and fauna, including cattle, crops, GMO's, wildlife and biological diversity) and interaction between them
• the state of human health and safety, conditions of human life, the food chain cultural sites and built structures in as much as they are or may be affected by the state of the elements of the environment and interaction between them
• substances, energy, noise, radiation or waste affecting or likely to affect the state of the elements of the environment and interaction between them
• measures (including administrative measures, policies, legislation, plans, programmes and environmental agreements) and activities affecting or likely to affect, or intended to protect the state of elements of the environment and the interaction between them
• emissions discharges and other releases into the environment
• cost benefit and other economic analysis used in environmental decision making

Frequently Asked Questions

• How can I make a request under EIR?
• How quickly will my request be answered?
• Do I have to pay for the information?
• Can I see all environmental information?
• How do I make a complaint?