For more than 20 years, you could find the Federal Plain Language Guidelines (FPLG) on plainlanguage.gov. But when that site was recently taken down, the guidelines quietly disappeared.
The link now redirects to a set of plain language guides on Digital.gov. They’re clear, useful, and practical—but they’re not the FPLG.
What the Law Requires
Here’s why that matters for anyone who writes, edits, or uses government information:
The Plain Writing Act of 2010 requires federal employees to use plain language when drafting documents—letters, forms, publications, and other materials (paper or electronic)—that are:
- to obtain a federal benefit or service or file taxes;
- to provide information about a federal benefit or service; or
- to explain how to comply with a federal requirement.
To comply with the Act, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) directed agencies to follow the Federal Plain Language Guidelines. These guidelines became the foundation for plain language across government—and beyond.
- The FPLG are used not only at the federal level. State and local governments, private sector companies, universities, and nonprofits use them.
- They are cited by plain language organizations around the globe.
- They also influenced the creation of the new ISO Plain Language standard.
Why We Need the Federal Guidelines Back Online
The Federal Plain Language Guidelines must be restored so federal employees can follow the Plain Writing Act of 2010, which requires clear communication the public can understand and use.
Additionally, the Act and the final OMB guidance had several requirements that were reflected on plainlanguage.gov and are now missing:
- Designate and publish: Each agency must name a Senior Official for Plain Writing and create a public webpage for comments. (The central list once hosted on plainlanguage.gov is now gone.)
- Train and support staff: Agencies are required to train employees in plain writing. The free training and resources once provided by the voluntary Plain Language Action and Information Network (PLAIN) have been paused and should be restored.
What You Can Do
Restoring the guidelines would reaffirm the federal government’s ongoing commitment to clear communication and public access.
Until the Federal Plain Language Guidelines are restored, here’s how you can stay connected and keep the work moving:
- Advocate for the Federal Plain Language Guidelines to be reposted on a .gov website so federal employees and the public can access them.
- Learn from the new international plain language standards and apply their principles in your own work.
- Explore the archived version of plainlanguage.gov in the Internet Archive’s Wayback Machine to locate past guidance.
- Join the Plain Language Community of Practice to stay informed and share solutions across agencies.
- Become a member of the Center for Plain Language to support ongoing advocacy, education, and recognition for clear communication. The Center has reposted the Federal Plain Language Guidelines, the version that was last updated on the former plainlanguage.gov, along with a brief history of U.S. federal plain language movement on its Tools and Training page.
Taken together, these efforts help government meet its legal obligations and keep information accessible to the people it serves.
About the author: Dr. Katina Rae Stapleton is a plain language advocate and former co-chair of the federal Plain Language Action and Information Network (PLAIN), which led plainlanguage.gov and developed the Federal Plain Language Guidelines.