ELR Citation: 51 ELR 20184
No(s). 16-cv-720 (TJK) (D.D.C. Oct 12, 2021) (Kelly, J.)

A district court granted researchers' and primate importers' motions to intervene in a lawsuit brought by a nonprofit group seeking FOIA disclosure of FWS records regarding the import and export of wildlife. The group challenged the Service's redaction of certain information pursuant to a FOIA exemption for trade secrets and commercial or financial information. The court had granted summary judgment for the group, finding that the redacted information was not confidential and thus not subject to the exemption. The researchers and importers moved to intervene as of right to appeal the decision. The court found that the intervenors showed the redacted information was "very sensitive" and that disclosure of such information would harm their interests in keeping it confidential. It granted the motions to intervene.