Requests for records and the processing of those records are governed by the rules at 7 CFR 1.6. Agency officials are authorized to receive and act on requests for records as follows:
(a) The Regional Forester, Regional Special Agent in charge, Research Station Director, Area Director, and Institute Director at the field locations and addresses listed in § 200.2; the Director of Law Enforcement and Investigations, other Staff Directors, or other officials whom the Chief may authorize, located in the Washington Office, are authorized to receive requests for such records, to make determinations regarding whether records exist, and to grant or deny requests for records exempt from disclosure under the provisions of 5 U.S.C. 552(b).
(b) Each of the officials listed in paragraph (a) of this section also is authorized to take the following actions:
(1) Extend the 10-day administrative deadline for reply pursuant to 7 CFR 1.14;
(2) Make discretionary releases pursuant to 7 CFR 1.17(b) of records exempt from mandatory disclosure;
(3) Deny records pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 552(b); and
(4) Make determinations regarding the charges of fees pursuant to 7 CFR 1.8(a).
[62 FR 33368, June 19, 1997, as amended at 63 FR 53811, Oct. 7, 1998]