Authority to classify
Primary source
Verbatim text below is from the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR), a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the current version with the eCFR before relying on it for any legal matter.
Full Text
(a) The authority to originally classify information or material under this part shall be limited to those officials concerned with matters of national security. The officials listed in this section are granted authority by the Director, OMB, to assign original classifications as indicated to information or material that is originated by OMB staff and relating to the national security of the United States:
(1) Top Secret and below:
(i) Deputy Director.
(ii) Deputy Director for Management.
(iii) Associate Director for National Security and International Affairs.
(iv) Associate Director for Natural Resources, Energy and Science.
(2) Secret and below:
(i) Deputy Associate Director for National Security.
(ii) Deputy Associate Director for International Affairs.
(iii) Deputy Associate Director for Energy and Science.
(b) Classification authority is not delegated to persons who only reproduce, extract, or summarize classified information, or who only apply classification markings derived from source material or from a classification guide.
This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.