Miljöinformationslagen

Miljöinformationslagen, or the Environmental Information Act, is a Swedish law that regulates public access to environmental information. Its primary purpose is to ensure that individuals and organizations have the right to obtain information about the environment from public authorities. This promotes transparency and public participation in environmental matters.

The law defines what constitutes environmental information, which includes data on emissions, waste, noise, and the state of water, air, and land. It specifies that public authorities are generally obliged to provide this information upon request, unless there are specific legal grounds for refusal. Such grounds might include the protection of national security, commercial secrets, or ongoing investigations.

The law also outlines procedures for requesting and receiving environmental information. It sets deadlines for authorities to respond to requests and provides for mechanisms for appeal if access is denied. The intention is to make environmental data readily available to the public, enabling informed decision-making and fostering greater environmental awareness and accountability. It aligns with international conventions and EU directives concerning access to environmental information.