CEI Wins Freedom of Information Case Against NY AG Schneiderman

Last week the Supreme Court of New York ruled for the Competitive Enterprise Institute (CEI) and against the New York Attorney General holding that the New York Attorney General’s office failed to comply with the Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) statute.  In fact, the court stated that the AG’s attempt to dismiss the case was a “complete failure” and has ordered that, within 30 days, the AG submit a response to the original FOIL request that “fully complies with the intent and purpose” of the statute.  Further, the Court has granted CEI’s request for attorneys’ fees. See more about the case here.

The Competitive Enterprise Institute’s General Counsel Sam Kazman said,

“CEI's court victory is a blow to the anti-free speech campaign led by New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman. While the campaign by him and his cohorts that began in March continues against those who disagree with him on global warming, we are glad to see that it is being held subject to the basic laws of the land. By requiring Schneiderman to fully comply with our freedom of information request, the court is ensuring that agencies cannot use shortcuts as a means of skirting New York's Freedom of Information law.”