Can a federal agency refuse to issue or renew licenses due to failure in providing requested information?

A federal agency can indeed refuse to issue or renew licenses due to a failure in providing requested information. This principle is rooted in the idea that federal agencies often have specific statutory mandates, regulations, or standards they must enforce when determining eligibility for licensing. If an applicant does not provide the necessary information that the agency has requested, the agency may conclude that it lacks sufficient information to assess the eligibility or qualifications of the applicant.

This authority is often specified in the agency's regulations, which might stipulate that providing certain information is crucial for compliance with the law or for ensuring public safety and welfare. The agency's refusal can be seen as a necessary exercise of its discretion to fulfill its regulatory responsibilities.

Additionally, there may be situations where certain information is explicitly designated as mandatory for the licensing process. However, even in scenarios where the information is not labeled as mandatory, the agency retains the right to require sufficient data to make an informed decision concerning the licensing request.

The correct position acknowledges the agency's need to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and its authority to act based on the submission of required information.