U.S. Code > Title 16 Conservation > CHAPTER 63—FEDERAL CAVE RESOURCES PROTECTION (§§ 4301—4310) > § 4304. Confidentiality of information concerning nature and location of significant caves

§ 4304. Confidentiality of information concerning nature and location of significant caves

(a) In general
Information concerning the specific location of any significant cave may not be made available to the public under section 552 of title 5 unless the Secretary determines that disclosure of such information would further the purposes of this chapter and would not create a substantial risk of harm, theft, or destruction of such cave.
(b) Exceptions
Notwithstanding subsection (a) of this section, the Secretary may make available information regarding significant caves upon the written request by Federal and State governmental agencies or bona fide educational and research institutions. Any such written request shall, at a minimum—
(1) describe the specific site or area for which information is sought;
(2) explain the purpose for which such information is sought; and
(3) include assurances satisfactory to the Secretary that adequate measures are being taken to protect the confidentiality of such information and to ensure the protection of the significant cave from destruction by vandalism and unauthorized use.