The information, documents and studies regarding the excavation, extraction, removal and dredging of components of the earth’s crust in possession of the Department shall be held as information, documents and researches of a public nature and shall be made available to any citizen wishing to examine them. However, the documents, books and papers that the Secretary may order the holders to show him pursuant to the power vested in him under § 217 of this title shall be of a confidential nature.
History —June 25, 1968, No. 132, p. 314, added as § 16 on June 3, 1976, No. 144, p. 423, § 17, eff. 30 days after June 3, 1976.