The Enviromental Information Regulations (EIR) were made in 1992 (amended 1998) and gave a legal right of access to 'Enviromental Information'.

What is Environmental Information?

Information in written, visual, aural, electronic or other material about:

1. The state of the elements of the environment (such as air, water, soil, land, landscape and natural sites, Genetically Modified Organisms, biological diversity) and the interaction between them.
2. Substances, energy, noise, radiation or waste affecting or likely to affect 1 above.
3. Emissions, discarges and other releases into the enviroment.
4. The state of human helath 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 1above.
5. Measures (including administrative measures, policies, legislation, plans, programmes and enviromental agreements) and activities affecting or likely to affect, or intend to protect 1 above.
6. Cost benefit and other economic anaylsis used in environmental decision-making.

Key differences between Freedom of Information Act and EIR:

Requests do not have to be in writing.

Can not refuse on grounds of cost.

Can extend response time to 40 working days but only if large and/or complex requests.