The NRW Environmental Information Act in conjunction with the federal Environmental Information Act form - in comparison to the general NRW Freedom of Information Act - a special entitlement standard for access to environmental information. All information on the state of water, air, soil, flora and fauna can be requested. Free access to environmental information is restricted or excluded in exceptional cases provided for by law, for example for reasons of data protection.

Applications for access to information must be submitted to the Legal and Insurance Department. The Legal Department will decide on the request.

Fees may be charged for granting access to information.