About Counter Points
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Quick Instructions:
Write the office at the BLM FROM WHICH the misinformation initiated (the source) to register your request for correction. Provide detailed rebuttal and send a copy to this BLM email address:
BLM_WO_Information_Quality_Guidelines@blm.gov
In essence, the Information Quality Act provides a mechanism for the public to hold federal agencies accountable for the accuracy and quality of the information they disseminate.
Background on the Law
The Information Quality Act (IQA), also known as Section 515, allows individuals to request corrections to information disseminated by federal agencies if they believe it doesn't meet the agency's or OMB's (Office of Management and Budget) quality guidelines. Affected individuals can submit a Request for Correction (RFC) to the relevant agency, outlining the specific information they believe is incorrect and explaining why it doesn't meet the required standards.
Here's a breakdown of the process and key aspects:
What is the Information Quality Act?
The IQA, enacted as Section 515 of Public Law 106-554, mandates that federal agencies ensure and maximize the quality, objectivity, utility, and integrity of information they disseminate.
This includes information disseminated in reports, data products, guidance documents, and on websites.
Agencies are required to establish guidelines and administrative mechanisms for handling requests for correction.
What is a Request for Correction (RFC)?
An RFC is a formal request submitted to a federal agency to correct information that the individual believes is inaccurate or doesn't meet the agency's or OMB's quality standards.
It's a mechanism for the public to seek redress when they believe disseminated information is not up to par.
Who can submit an RFC?
Individuals who are directly affected by the information disseminated by a federal agency can submit an RFC.
The definition of "affected" can vary by agency, but generally refers to individuals who experience harm or potential harm due to the inaccurate information.
What information should be included in an RFC?
A clear statement that the communication is a Request for Correction under the Information Quality Act.
Identification of the specific information that needs correction, including the report, data product, or webpage.
A detailed explanation of how the information fails to comply with the agency's or OMB's information quality guidelines.
Justification for the requested correction, including any supporting evidence.
The specific corrective action sought.
Where to submit an RFC:
Each agency has specific procedures for submitting RFCs. Generally, it's directed to the agency's designated point of contact, often an Information Quality Coordinator.
For example, the Department of Justice (.gov) directs RFCs to PRA.inbox@usdoj.gov.
The U.S. Department of State (.gov) directs RFCs to dataquality@state.gov.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (.gov) provides specific instructions on its website.
What happens after submitting an RFC?
The agency will review the RFC and assess whether the information in question complies with its information quality guidelines.
The agency will provide a response to the requestor, either granting the correction, denying the request, or requesting more information.
Some agencies also publish a list of submitted RFCs and their responses on their websites.
Counter Points Organization Purpose
Facilitate Public Understanding of Government Messaging
Vision
A society where government agencies are transparent, accountable, and truthful in their public communications, and citizens have accurate information on which to make decisions.
Mission
To scrutinize government agency public communications, identify instances of misinformation, lack of transparency or data manipulation, and provide fact based rebuttals to promote a well informed public.
The organization's intent is to promote transparency and accountability in government agencies by reviewing public communications, identifying misinformation, and providing accurate information to the public.
Use the email at left.
Goals
Improve Transparency: Increase the accuracy and completeness of government agency public communications.
Promote Accountability: Hold government agencies accountable for misinformation and lack of transparency.
Inform the Public: Provide fact-based information to the public, enabling informed decision-making.
Objectives
Short-term:
Review and analyze 100 government agency public communications within the first six months.
Identify and rebut at least 20 instances of misinformation or lack of transparency within the first year.
Submit Requests for Correction under Information Quality Act (IQA), enacted via Pub. L. No. 106-554 and codified at 44 U.S.C. § 3516 (BLM Guidelines)
Long-term:
Automate Requests for Correction under IQA making the process available to anyone by providing a template and click-and-send simplicity for execution.
Establish partnerships with 5 major news outlets to amplify fact-based information.
Develop a list or similar database for public access of government agency public communications where evidence exists of misinformation.
Tactics
Research and Analysis: Conduct thorough reviews of government agency public communications.
Fact-checking: Verify information through reputable sources.
Rebuttals: Provide clear, concise, and fact-based responses to misinformation.
Public Outreach: Engage with the public through social media, workshops, and educational materials.
Collaboration: Partner with other organizations and news outlets to amplify impact .
The Bureau of Land Management uses taxpayer dollars to create and disseminate dozens of press releases and media postings, and public participation requests weekly. The majority of these contain misinformation designed to justify actions being executed throughout the territories which they manage. The manipulation of data in order to justify a specific course of action which brings no benefit to the taxpayer or which creates the need to expend taxpayer dollars to remediate the outcome of the practice(s) is unlawful and violates the trust which the taxpayer places on each agency and branch of government.
The IQA (44 U.S.C. § 3516 note, enacted via Pub. L. No. 106-554) requires agencies to ensure the "quality, objectivity, utility, and integrity" of disseminated information.
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) guidelines (67 Fed. Reg. 8452, Feb. 22, 2002) mandate pre-dissemination review and correction mechanisms for inaccuracies.
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