I . S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (,ENC\
RFX.ION 5
PLAIN LANGUAGE AWARENESS
Presented by the Plain Language Workgroup
-------
Active Voice Examples
PASSIVE
ACTIVE
The lake was polluted by
the company.
The company polluted the
lake.
New regulations were
proposed.
We proposed new
regulations.
The following information
must be included in the
application for it to be
considered complete.
You must include the
following information in
your complete application.
Bonds will be withheld in
cases of non-compliance
with all permits and
conditions.
We will withhold your
bond if you don't comply
with all permit terms and
conditions.
Regulations have been
proposed by the
Department of Veterans
Affairs
We have proposed
regulations.
-------
Simple Words
Instead of:
accomplish
ascertain
disseminate
endeavor
expedite
facilitate
formulate
in lieu of
locality
optimum
strategize
utilize
Use:
do
find out
send out, distribute
try
hasten, speed up
make easier, help
work out, devise, form
instead of
place
best, greatest, most
plan
use
-------
Unnecessary Words
Instead of:
with regard to
by means of
in the event that
until such time
during such time
in respect of
in view of the fact
on the part of
subsequent to
under the provisions of
with a view to
it would appear that
it is probable that
notwithstanding the fact that
adequate number of
excessive number of
Use:
about
by
if
until
while
for
because
by
after
under
to
apparently
probably
although
enough
too many
-------
Confusing Legalese
abeyance
aforementioned
henceforward
hereinafter
pursuant
thenceforth
under-mentioned
whensoever
whosoever
above (as an
adjective)
aforesaid
hereby
hereinbefore
said (for "the", "that",
etc.)
thereunto
unto
whereas
within-named
afore-granted
before-mentioned
herein
hereunto
same (for "it", "he",
etc)
to wit
whatsoever
whereof
witnesseth
-------
Page I of3
Plain Language Action Network
National Partnership for Reinvcntmq Government iNPR)
Practical Guidance On Clarity Of The Written Word
How To Write Good
We don't know where this came from, but some is derived from William Safire's Rules
for Writers
1. Always avoid alliteration.
2, Prepositions are not words to end sentences with.
3. Avoid cliches like the plague—they're old hat.
4. Employ the vernacular.
5. Eschew ampersands & abbreviations, etc.
6. Parenthetical remarks (however relevant) are unnecessary.
7. Parenthetical words however must be enclosed in commas.
8. It is wrong to ever split an infinitive.
9. Contractions aren't necessary.
10. Do not use a foreign word when there is an
adequate English.quid pro quo.
11. One should never generalize.
12. Eliminate quotations. As Ralph Waldo Emerson once said:
"I hate quotations. Tell me what you know."
13. Comparisons are as bad as cliches.
14. Don't be redundant; don't use more words than necessary; it's highly
superfluous.
15. It behooves you to avoid archaic expressions.
16. Avoid archaeic spellings too.
17. Understatement is always best.
http://www.plainlanguage.gov/library/writegood.htm 4/13/99
-------
vvnu:uoou Page 2 of 3
18. Exaggeration is a billion times worse than understatement
19 One-word sentences'? Eliminate. Always!
20. Analogies in writing arc like feathers on a snake.
21. The passixe voice should not be used
22. Go around the barn at high noon to avoid colloquialisms.
23. Don't repeat yourself, or say again what you have said before.
24. Who needs rhetorical questions?
25. Don't use commas, that, are not, necessary
26. Do not use hyperbole; not one in a million can do it effectively
27. Never use a big word when a diminutive alternative would suffice.
28. Subject and verb always has to agree.
29. Be more or less specific.
30. Placing a comma between subject and predicate, is not correct.
31. Use youre spell chekker to avoid mispeling and to catch
typograhpical errers.
32. Don't repeat yourself, or say again what you have said before.
33. Don't be redundant.
34. Use the apostrophe in it's proper place and omit it when its not
needed.
35. Don't never use no double negatives.
36. Poofread carefully to see if you any words out.
37. Hopefully, you will use words correctly, irregardless of how others
use them.
38. Eschew obfuscation.
39. No sentence fragments.
40. Don't indulge in sesquipedalian lexicological constructions.
http://www.plainlanguage.gov/library/writegood.htm 4/13/99
-------
j 01 j
41. A writer must not shift your point of view
42 Don't overuse exclamation marks'!
43 Place pronouns as close as possible, especial!) in long sentences, as of
10 or more words, to their antecedents.
44 Wntmy'carefully, dangling participles must be avoided
45 If any word is improper at the end of a sentence, a linking verb is
46. Avoid trendy locutions that sound flaky.
47. Everyone should be careful to use a singular pronoun with singular
nouns in their writing.
48. Always pick on the correct idiom.
49. The adverb always follows the verb
50. Take the bull by the hand and avoid mixing metaphors.
51. If you reread your work, you en find on rereading a great deal of
repetition can be by rereading and editing.
52. And always be sure to finish what
http://www.plainlanguage.gov/library/-vvritegood.htm 4/13/99
-------
Clarity and Tone
Instead of:
The requirement of the department is
that employees work eight hours a day.
Use:
The Department requires cmploxecs lo
work eight hours a day.
You will work on the establishment of
goals for the training of new
employees.
You will establish goals for the
training of new employees.
Underground mine worker safety
protection procedures development.
Developing procedures to protect the
safety of workers in underground
mines.
Mid-April rainy day overhead garage
door procedures.
Overhead garage door procedures for
rainy days in mid-April.
Any oil or gas lessee who wishes to
use timber for fuel in drilling
operations shall file an application
thereof with the officer who issued the
lease.
You must file an application to use the
timber on your oil or gas lease for fuel.
File the application with our office
where you got your lease.
The applicant shall be notified by
registered mail in all cases where the
permit applied for is not granted, and
shall be given 30 days within which to
appeal such decision.
Our agency will notify you by
registered mail if we reject your
application. You must file an appeal
of that decision within 30 days.
An error was made in calculating your
refund.
We are sorry. We made a mistake
when we calculated your refund.
-------
Sentence & Paragraph Structure
Use:
For good reasons, the Secretary
may grant extensions of time in
30-day increments for filing of the
lease and all required bonds,
provided that additional extension
requests are submitted and
approved before the expiration of
the original 30 days or the
previously granted extension.
We may extend the time \ ou have
to file the lease and required
bonds. Each extension will be for
a 30-day period. To get an
extension, you must write to us
giving the reasons that you need
more time. We must receive your
extension request in time to
approve it before your current
deadline or extension expires.
These sections describe types of
information that would satisfy the
application requirements of
Circular A-l 10 as it would apply
to this grant program.
These sections tell you how to
meet the requirements of Circular
A-l 10 for this grant program.
When going on a trip: a) purchase
the appropriate clothes, b) airline
tickets should be double-checked,
c) your neighbor should get your
mail, and d) enjoy yourself.
When going on a trip,
a. purchase the appropriate
clothes
b. double-check your airline
tickets
c. ask your neighbor to get
your mail, and
d. enjoy yourself
-------
oeruences Patje 1 oP
Plain Language Action Network
. National Partnership for Reinventing Government (NPR)
Practical Guidance On Clarity Of The Written Word
Nine Easy Steps to Longer Sentences
by Kathy McGinty
Are you tired of short, direct, and simple sentences that seem to take forever to fill up a
page? Are you paid by the word? In either case you can benefit by increasing the
number of words in your sentences and the bulk of your writing. And it's easy if you just
follow nine simple steps, many of which you may already know and practice.
To show how easily you can apply these steps, I'll start with the following ludicrously
short and simple sentence and increase its verbiage step by step.
More night jobs would keep youths off the streets.
Step 1: Begin to lengthen your statement by referring to studies, even if you're not aware
of any studies. After all, who really cares? And if anyone challenges you, you can
protect yourself by weaseling (see Step 5).
Studies have found that more night jobs would keep youths off the
streets.
Step 2: Replace simple words like more, jobs, night, youths, and streets with multiple
syllable words of Latin or Greek origin.
Studies have found that additional nocturnal employment would keep
adolescents off thoroughfares.
Step 3: Use sophisticated verbs, the vaguer the better. The verb found is much too clear
and simple, whereas indicate, develop, and identify ore excellent multi-purpose verbs
with so many meanings that you can use them in almost any context to mean almost
anything. What precisely does indicate mean, anyway? If you use identify or indicate,
you can further lengthen your sentence by attaching the fact that to it
Studies have identified the fact that additional nocturnal employment
would keep adolescents off thoroughfares.
Step 4: Rely on such adjectives as available, applicable, and appropriate to lengthen
sentences without changing or adding any meaning. If possible, use various, one of the
most meaningless of all the meaningless modifiers.
Various available applicable studies have identified the fact that
additional appropriate nocturnal employment would keep adolescents
off thoroughfares.
Step 5: Use weasel words as often as possible. A number of is particularly useful
because it can refer to any number at all: -9, 4.78, 0, 5 billion, you name it. (For more
effective weaseling, replace wills and woulds with cans and coulds.)
A number of various available applicable studies have generallv
identified the fact that additional appropriate nocturnal employment
could usually keep adolescents off thoroughfares.
Step 6: Sprinkle your sentences with classic redundancies.
http://www.plainlanguage.gov/library/longsent.htm 4/13/99
-------
I tt*. 1 tV.ll* J
Page 2 of 2
^ number of various a\'ailable applicable studies have generally
identified the fact thai additional appropriate nocturnal employment
could usually keep juvenile adolescents off thoroughfares
Step ~ Add meaningless "it /j"and "there i\/a>e" expressions, not only to lengthen your
sentences but also to give them a scholarly ring
There is no escaping the fact that it is considered \\>rv important to note
that a number of \arious available applicable studies have generally
identified the foci thai additional appropriate nocturnal employment
could usually keep juvenile adolescents off thoroughfares
Step 8 For the precision that all good writing deserves, use legalisms, the more
redundant the better
There is no escaping the fact that it is considered verv important to note
that a number of various available applicable studies have generally
identified the fact that additional appropriate nocturnal emplovnient
could usually keep juvenile adolescents off thoroughfares, including but
not limited to the time prior to midnight on weekntghrs and/or 2am on
Step 9 Use foreign words and phrases to lengthen and enliven your sentences
Especially apt are Latin isms and other obscurities whose meanings have long been
forgotten if they were ever known.
There is no escaping the fact that it is considered very important to note
that a number of various available applicable studies studies ipso facto
have generally identified the fact that additional appropriate nocturnal
employment could usually keep juvenile adolescents off thoroughfares
during the night hours, including but not limited to the time prior to
midnight on weeknights and/or 2 am on weekends
So there you have ic Following these nine steps, I've managed in no time to increase the
number of words in my sentence nearly seven fold, well above the level of
incomprehensibility. And best of all, I've accomplished this feat with little or no change
in meaning.
http://www.plainlanguage.gov/Iibrary/longsent.htm 4/13/99
-------
Visually Appealing Style
Type:
Question
Heading
Statement
Heading
Topic Heading
Definition:
A heading in
the form of a
question
A heading that
uses a noun and
a verb
A heading that
is a word or
short phrase
Example:
Why Do We
Use Headings?
Heading Help
Guide a Reader
Helpful
Headings
Note:
Most useful.
They ask
questions
readers are
asking
Next best
choice - still
specific
Formal but not
very helpful
-------
TTTT
AAAA
5511 I Free L icj of Timber mi
Oil ami C/CM /_i' /f>stv n tin u
lo use. timber jor fuel in drilling
operations shall file tin application
therefor with the officer who issued
the lease
fb) The applicant shall he notified hv
registered mail in all cases where the
permit applied for is not granted, and
shall be given 30 day s within which to
appeal such decision
(c) Where the land is occupied by a
settler, the applicant shall serve nonce
on the settler by registered mail
showing the amount and kind of
timber he has applied for
Section SSI 1. 1 Can I use (he timber
on my oil or gas lease for fuel?
)on must file mi application in »v the
limber on your oil or gas lease for
fuel File i he application wtih our
office M here you got your lease
Section 551 /. 12 Will you notify me
if you reject my application?
Our agency will notify you by
registered mail ij \\ e reject \ out
application You must file an appeal
oj thai decision within 30 days
Section 5511.13 Must I notify
anyone that I have applied for use of
the timber?
You must notify any settler, by
registered mail, that you have applied
to use timber from your lease Include
in your notice
(a) The amount of timber you
applied for, and
(b) The kind of timber you
applied for
Expressing Requirements In Your Letters
II is true that "must" will clearly tell your readers to do something. In talking
about regulations, u is certainly preferred to "shall." In letter \snting. 11 is more
an issue of lone. You can use one of the following to convey your message
clearly It \vill depend on the attitude you want to convey to your readers For
instance—
You need to complete this form to apply for benefits.
30
-------
,*•' 163 25 l-'omst manuffcment deduction^
(a) Pursuant to the provisions of 25 I'S (' -113 ami 25 U S C 3105. a [01 <.• w
management deduction shall ha \\ithheld fn>m the gro\\ /'/oavrA nl \ulc\ nf
Indian forest land a \ dcscnhed in tln\ seitnin
(b) Gross proceeds shall mean the value in money or monev's' worth of
consideration furnished by the purchaser oj forest products purchased under a
contract, permit, or other document for the sale o/forest products
(c) Forest management deductions shall not he u ithheld u her e the touil
consideration furnished under u document for the sale of finest products is less
than S5.001
(d) Except us provided in $ 163 25(e) of this part, the amount of the foi cst
deduction shall not exceed the lesser amount of ten percent (10%) of the gross
proceeds or. the actual percentage in effect on \ovemher 28, 1990
(e) The Secretary may increase the forest management deduction percentage
for Indian forest land upon receipt of a written request from a tribe supported
by a written resolution executed by the authorized tribal representatives At the
request of the authorized tribal representatives and at the discretion of the
Secretary the forest management deduction percentage may be decreased to not
less than one percent (1%) or the requirement for collection may be waived
-------
£ 163.25 What forest management deduction* will R! \ withhold?
We will withhold a tmest management deduction if the contiact foi ihc \iilc <»/
forest pi odiiits tni\ u \ alue of o\e> S5 01)0 'Ilie ikJitLtion »/// he u pa ccntugc
of the gro.s.s proceeds ft e . ihe price we gel from the buver) We w ill determine
the amount of {he deduction in accordance w ith (he following table
If...
then the percentage of the deduction
is...
a tribe requests an increase in the
deduction through a tribal resolution
and written request to us
the percentage requested by the tnhc
an authorized tribal representative
requests and we approve a decrease
in the deduction
the percentage requested, with a one
percent minimum
an authorized tribal representative
requests and we approve a waiver of
the deduction
waived
none of the above conditions apply
the percentage in effect on November
28, 1990, or 10 percent, whichever is
less
You can also use variations on the if-then table to clarify other types of
complicated provisions. Which of the following would you rather read?
3-4
-------
Friday
December 11, 1998
Part IV
Department of
Transportation
Research and Special Programs
Administration
49 CFR Parts 105, 106, and 107
Revised and Clarified Hazardous
Materials Safety Rulemaking and Program
Procedures; Proposed Rule
-------
68624
Federal Register/VoI 63. No 238/Fndoy, December 11. 1998/Proposed Rules
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Research and Special Programs
Administration
49 CFR Paris 105,106, and 107
[Docket No RSPA-98-3974]
RIN2137-AD20
Revised and Clarified Hazardous
Materials Safety Rulemaking and
Program Procedures
AGENCY: Research and Special Programs
Administration (RSPA). DOT
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM)
SUMMARY: In response 10 President
Clinton's mandate to Federal agencies to
make communications with the pubhc
more understandable RSPA is issuing
this NPRM in which it proposes to
revise and clarify the hazardous
materials safety rulemakmg and
program procedures by
• Putting them into plain language
and making minor substantive changes
• Creating a new part that will contain
all defined terms used in RSPA's
procedural regulations
• Demonstrating clearer Federal
Register and Code of Federal
Regulations (CFR) formats.
DATES: Send your comments on or
before February 9, 1999.
ADDRESSES: Address your comments to
the Docket Management System, U.S
Department of Transportation. Room PL
401.400 Seventh Street. SW.
Washington. DC 20590-0001 You must
identify the docket number RSPA-98-
3974 at the beginning of your
comments, and you should submit two
copies of your comments If you wish to
receive confirmation that RSPA has
received your comments, include a self-
addressed, stamped postcard You may
also submit comments by e-mail to
rspa counsel@rspa dot gov You may
review public dockets containing
comments to these proposed regulations
in the Dockets Office between 9 00 a m
and 5 00 p m . Monday through Friday.
except Federal holidays The Dockets
Office is on the plaza level of the Nassif
Building at the Department of
Transportation at the above address
Also, you may review public dockets on
the Internet at http //dms dot gov
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Kann Christian. Office of the Chief
Counsel. (202) 366-4400. Research and
Special Programs Administration
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Proposed Substantive Changes
RSPA { \\e ) proposes to revise alt of
parts 106 and 107 and to create a new
part 105 that will eventually contain nil
definitions for teims used in Title -19.
parts 106 107 and 110 nnrl perhaps
parts 130 and 171 through 180 The
proposed revisions respond to President
Clinton s June 1 1998 Executive
Memoiandum directing Federal
agencies to make communications with
the public more understandable We
propose to clarify existing requirements
and make minor substantive changes
which are explained in the following
paragraphs We will revise the
remainder of subchapter A into plain
language in a future rulemaking
Pan 105
We propose to create a new part 105
that will tell >ou how to obtain
information from us about our
procedural regulations and the
Hazardous Materials Regulations
(HMR) It will aJso explain subpoenas
and service of documents We also have
revised mailing addresses throughout
parts 105 and 106 to ensure that
documents you send us reach the
appropriate RSPA office in a timely
manner
Also, proposed part 105 would
eventually contain all definitions that
are now in various places throughout
subchapter A and may eventually
include the definitions now found
throughout subchapters B and C This
change would let you go to a single
location for all defined terms. Part 105
would also include some definitions
found in section 5102 of Federal
hazardous material transportation law.
49 U S C. 5101 et seq. that apply to
terms used in the Hazardous Materials
Regulations but do not appear In the
regulations themselves As a result of
the present deficiency, you must refer to
the statute to determine what particular
words in the regulations mean
At this time, proposed part 105
contains a limited number of definitions
that have been rewritten into plain
language Many of these terms are elso
defined in 49 CFR parts 107 and 171.
Consequently, the same term may be
defined with different language in part
105 on the one hand and parts 107 and
171 on the other Nevertheless, the plain
language definitions m proposed part
105 are intended to have the same
meaning as those in parts 107 and 171.
we did not intend to make any
substantive changes when we rewrote
the proposed part 105 definitions into
plain language
Prill 106
Proposed § 106 5 contains new
information on oiu rulemaking piocoss
Specifically, it states thai we use
informal mleniaking piocecUncs nuclei
ihe Administrative Pioceduie Act
Fui thermale. this section sets out the
types of rulemaking documents we
normally use to propose and adopt
changes»o am ir«ul,uiom
Section 106 15 describes an advance
notice of proposed rulemaking
Section 106 20 describes a notice of
proposed rulemaking
Section 106 30 describes a final iule
Section 106 35 describes an itiienni
final rule
Section 106 40 describes a dnect final
rule
Section 106 70 pioposes to allow
commenters to elecnomcally file then
comments in a rulemaking proceeding
It also would allow us to reject paper
and electronic comments that are
frivolous, abusive, or repetitious
Sections 106 80 through 106 95 talk
about "public meetings" rathei than
"Informal hearings " We are proposing
this language change to more accurately
reflect the nature of these public.
information-gathering sessions
Sections 106 115 through 106 140
propose to eliminate the current
petition-for- reconsideration procedures
in S106 35 and § J 06 38 Current
§ 106 35 requires that you file a petition
for reconsideration of a rule with either
RSPA's Associate Administrator for
Hazardous Materials Safety or RSPA's
Chief Counsel, depending on the subject
matter of the regulation you are
challenging Current § 106 38 then
allows you to appeal the decision of the
Associate Administrator or the Chief
Counsel by filing an appeal with RSPA's
Administrator
Only the Administrator has the
authority, delegated from the Secretary
of Transportation, to grant a petition for
reconsideration that results in a new
Jinal rule Therefore, petitions for
reconsideration and appeals are
currently processed through the
Administrator The proposed regulatory
change avoids duphcative appeal
procedures by limiting the process to
action by the Administrator only
Part 107
The substance of the procedural
regulations in part 107. subpart A, has
been captured in proposed parts 105
and 106 Consequently, with the
exception of § 107 I—which would
contain the definitions now found m
-------
Federal Register/Vol 63. No 238/Fnday December 11. 1998/Proposed Rules
68625
§ 107 3—ue propose to rcmo\c ihe
regulations currently contained in Part
107 subparc A
2. Clearer Federal Register and CFR
Formats
Plain language helps leacleis find
requirements quickly and understand
them easily To do that we have
reorganized and recorded the p.iits
using plain-language techniques not
usually found in the Federal Register
and CFR. such as these
• Undesignated center headings
cluster related sections within subparts
• Short seciions. paragraphs.
sentences, and words speed up reading
and enhance understanding
• Sections as questions and answers
focus sections better and combine to
establish a rule
• Personal pronouns reduce passive
voice and draw readers into the writing
• Tables display complex information
in a simple, easy-to-read format
In coordination with the Office of the
Federal Register (OFR) and the National
Partnership for Reinventing Government
(NPR). RSPA is proposing changes in
format that would make all regulations
easier to read The changes respond to
the call in President Clinton's Executive
Memorandum of June 1. 1998. for
writing thai uses "easy-to-read design
features " RSPA intends to use these
and other plain language techniques, as
appropriate. In future rulemaking
projects if the OFR approves them for
general use The public and all agencies
are invited to comment on the proposed
changes
Staggering Paragraph Levels
OFR strongly recommends that
agencies never use more than three
levels of paragraphs (for example
(a)(!)(')). but distinguishing one level
from another is hard because all
paragraphs in the CFR start at the same
distance from the left margin To make
relative importance stand out. we have
drafted this proposed rule using the
following format features
• Different paragraph levels start in
different places You see the limit of
three levels and proposed staggered
indentations at § 106 45 Indenting first
lines of three levels of paragraphs has
virtually no effect on the length of the
text
• Main paragraphs start at the margin
This change would show that main
paragraphs (those without numbers or
letters) are at the highest level See the
first sentence in § 106 45
Spacing Between Paragraphs
The dense formats of the Federal
Register and CFR save on pages but
hinder reading Though section
headings ;ne framed b\ blank lines
above and below them there is no such
relief to the fine print within a section
where users do their closest reading To
make navigation faster and easier at
least one commercial publisher of the
Federal Acquisition Regulations has
adopted two techniques that RSPA
proposes here
• Blank half lines separate
paragraphs The visual relief helps
readers move around and spot things
fast Using this proposed rule document
as an example, blank half lines add
about one-half page in 10 (or an increase
of about 5 percent) Agencies may be
able to offset this space increase and
resulting me lenses in publication costs
by taking advantage of some economies
of plain language
• All new paragraphs start on new
lines Most paragraphs do start on new
lines now, with this exception when a
paragraph consists of just a heading, the
next paragraph starts beside it. The
compression creates an occasional
inconsistency that complicates reading
Imagine § 106 40(d)(l) starting next to
"Withdrawing a direct final rule." The
proposed change makes the placement
of section designations entirely
consistent. It lets readers devote more of
their limited time to understanding the
substance and less to compensating for
the format's irregularities
RSPA. OFR and NPR are interested in
your views on the need for format
changes in the Federal Register and
CFR Changes can be implemented over
time, as new regulatory documents are
published, but where7 In the Federal
Register alone? In the CFR as well7
Within the Federal Register, should
blank half lines between paragraphs be
added to regulatory text alone or to
preambles as well7
Identifying Defined Terms
RSPA proposes to list, at the
beginning of each subpart, the defined
terms that are used within the sobpart
and to refer the reader to the new part
105 definitions This way. readers will
know that RSPA has given a term a
precise meaning and will know where
to find it This proposal leaves certain
practices unchanged In a definitions
section, writers would still underline a
term on its first appearance and OFR
would still italicize the defined term In
such a section, writers would still have
the option of ending a definition with a
cross-reference to the term's first
substantive use Simil.nK \\ntcis
would still have the option of fol!owm«
the first substantive use of ;i tlehnod
term with a cross-referencp back to the
section that defines n
C/.ui/x j/iii l.ihlc <~m,tui
This proposal illusuntes the use of
horizontal lines find plain laniiuaqp in .1
table lormdt. .md adopts oihci siniulciid
teatiuesof table design Poi nil example
see the table in § 106 110
• Tables use horizontal lines This is
common practice m newspapers and
magazines (stock market tables aie .111
example) But tables in the Federal
Register and CFR often have veiiic.nl
lines between columns, separating
closely related matter and blocking
normal left-to-nght reading Under this
proposal, if-then tables would appeai
\Mihhoiizont.il lines beiucen icms.iiid
no veitical lines anywhere
• Column widths vary Cuiremly.
columns may be too wide or too narrow
for the amount of text This proposal
would have column widths adjusted to
fit the text in them
• Column headings start at left
margins Currently, column headings
which are centered do not contribute to
the clean left margin that substitutes foi
a vertical line.
• Column headings appear in
boldface. In plain text now, they do not
stand out as they might Agencies would
continue to have the option of
submitting tables in camera-ready form
• Tables use text font In the past.
tables and text have appeared in
different fonts, a visual inconsistency
we propose to eliminate
Centering Headings in the Federal
Register
After clustering related sections into
subparts. writers currently have the
option of clustering them further under
center headings They draft these
headings in initial caps, without
number or letter designations, m both
the text and tables of contents You see
the organizing power of center headings
throughout parts 105 and 106
Currently, undesignated center
headings appear as intended m the CFR
but not in the Federal Register In the
latter, center headings appear at the left
margin and look like section headings
without section numbers The effect is
confusing, especially for first-time
readers The proposed change would
improve the placement and look of
undesignated center headings m the
Federal Register by making them appear
centered as they do in the CFR
-------
Federal Register/Vol 63. No 238/Friday. December 11. 1998/Proposed Rules
68629
(11 Registered or certified mail
(i) If we serve a document by
registered 01 certified mail, it is
considered served when mailed
(n) An official United Slates
Postal Service receipt from the
registered ot cemfied mailing is proof of
service
(in) We may serve a person s
authorized lepiesentative or agent by
registered or certified mail, or in any
other manner authorized by law Service
on a person s authonzed agent is the
same as service on the person
(2) Personal service
(3) Publication in the Federal
Register
(b) Service by others If you are
required under this subchapter to serve
a person with a document, serve the
document by one of the following
methods, except where a different
method of service is specifically
required
(1) Registered or certified mail
(i) If you serve a document by
registered or certified mail, it is
considered served when mailed.
(11) An official United States
Postal Service receipt from the
registered or certified mailing is proof of
service
(lii) You may serve a person's
authorized representative or agent by
registered or certified mall, return
receipt requested, or in any other
manner authorized by law. Service on a
person's authorized agent is the same as
service on une person
(2) Personal iervice
(3) Electronic service
(i) In a proceeding under
§ 107 317 of this subchapter (an
administrative law judge proceeding),
you may electronically serve documents
on us
(n) Serve documents
electronically through the Internet at
http //dms dot gov
§ 105.40 How do I designate an agent to
receive documents on my behalf if I am not
a United States resident?
(a) General requirement If you are not
a resident of the United States but are
required by this subchapter or
subchapter C of this chapter to designate
a permanent resident of the United
States to act as your agent and receive
documents on your behalf, you must
prepare a designation and file it with us
(b) Agents An agent
(1) May be an individual, a firm, or
a domestic corporation
(2) May represent any number of
principals
(3) May not reassign responsibilities
under a designation to another person
(c) Prepaimga designation Your
designation must be written and daied
and it must contain the following
information
(1) The section in the H.V1R that
lequiresyou to file a designation
(2) A certification that the
designation is in the correct legal form
required to make it valid and binding on
you under the laws, corporate bylaws.
or other requirements that apply to
designations at the time and place you
are making the designation
(3) Your full legal name, the
principal name of your business, and
your mailing address
(p
federal government, the officei 01
agency is not required to include
attendance and mileage fees when
serving the subpoena The officer or
agency must pay the fees before you
leave the hearing at which you testify
§ 105.50 How are subpoenas served?
(a) Personal service Anyone1 who is
not an interested paity and who is at
least 18 years of age may seive you with
a subpoena and fees by handing the
subpoena and fees to you. by leaving
them at your office with the individual
in charge, or by leaving them at your
house with someone who lives there
and is capable of making sure that you
receive them If RSPA issues a subpoena
to an entity, rather than an individual.
personal service is made by delivering
the subpoena and fees to the entity's
registered agent for service of process or
to any officer, director or agent in charge
of any of the entity's offices
(b) Service by mail You may be
served with a copy of a subpoena and
fees by certified or registered mail at
your last known address. Service of a
subpoena and fees may also be made by
registered or certified mail to your agent
for service of process or any of your
representatives at that person's last
known address
(c) Other methods You may be served
with a copy of a subpoena by any
method where you receive actual notice
of the subpoena and receive the fees
before leaving the hearing at which you
testify
(d) Filing after service After service is
complete, the individual who served a
copy of a subpoena and fees must file
the original subpoena and a certificate
of service with the RSPA official who is
responsible for conducting the hearing
§ 105.55 What If I do not want to obey a
subpoena?
(a) Quashing or modifying a
subpoena. If you receive a subpoena,
you can ask RSPA to overturn ("quash")
or modify the subpoena within 10 days
after the subpoena is served on you
Your request must briefly explain the
reasons you are asking for the subpoena
to be quashed or modified RSPA may
then do the following
-------
Federal Register/Vol 63. No 238/Friday. December 11. 1998/Proposed Rules
68633
If your petition is .
And if we determine that ...
Then ...
fa) Incomplete
we may ICIUIM youi pennon unh a
written explanation
(b) Complete
(c) Complete
your petition does not justify a rule-
making action
\our pennon does jusnK a mlcmakmg
action
we will notify you in wnting that \\e
will not start a mleniakmg proceeding
\\e will nociC\ \OLI in \\mmg thai \M-
will start a rulemakmg proceeding
Appeals
§106.115 May I appeal an action thai
RSPA has taken?
You may appeal the following RSPA
actions
(a) Any regulation that RSPA issues
under the rulemakmg procedures m this
part However, you may appeal RSPA's
issuance of a direct final rule only if you
previously filed comments to the direct
final rule (see § 106 40(e))
(b) Any RSPA decision on a petition
for rulemakmg
§ 106.120 What i nformatlon must I put in
my appeal?
(a) Appeal of a regulation If you
appeal RSPA's issuance of a regulation,
your appeal must include the following
(1) The docket number of the
rulemaking you are concerned about.
clearly set out at the beginning of your
appeal.
(2) A brief statement of your
concern about the regulation at issue
(3) An explanation of why
compliance with the regulation is not
practical, reasonable, or in the public
interest
(4) If you want RSPA to consider
more facts, the reason why you did not
present those facts within the time given
during the rulemakmg process for
public comment
(b) Appeal of a decision If you appeal
RSPA's decision on a petition for
rulemaking, you must include the
following
(1) The contested aspects of the
decision
(2) Any new arguments or
information
§106.125 What is the deadline for filing my
appeal?
(a) Appeal of a regulation If you
appeal RSPA's issuance of a regulation.
your appeal document must reach us no
later than 30 days after the date RSPA
published the regulation in the Federal
Register After that time. RSPA will
consider vour petition to be one for
rulemaking under § 106 100
(b) Appeal of a decision If you appeal
RSPA's decision on a petition for
rulemaking, your appeal document must
reach us no later than 30 days from the
date RSPA served you with written
notice of RSPA's decision
§106.130 Where do I file my appeal?
Send your appeal to
Appeal
Ann DHM-333
RSPA/USDOT
Washington. DC 20590-0001
S 106.135 Will the filing of my appeal keep
a final rule from becoming effective?
No. unless RSPA provides otherwise
§ 106.140 How will RSPA handle my
appeal?
(a) Appeal of a regulation
(I) We may consolidate your appeal
with other appeals of the same rule,
(2) We may grant or deny your
appeal, in whole or in part, without
further rulemaking proceedings, unless
granting your appeal would result in the
issuance of a new final rule
(3) If we decide to grant your
appeal, we may schedule further
proceedings and an opportunity to
comment
(4) RSPA will notify you, in writing,
of the action on your appeal within 90
days after (he date that RSPA published
the rule at issue in the Federal Register
If we do not issue a decision on your
appeal within the 90-day period, and we
anticipate a substantial delay we
notify you directly about the delay ,md
will give you an expected decision daic
We will also publish a nonce of the
delay m the Federal Regisiui
(b) Appeal of a decision
(1) We will not consider vour
nppeal if it merely repeats aigumciiis
that RSPA has previously rejected
(2) RSPA will notify you. in writing.
of the action on your appeal within 90
days after the date that RSPA served you
with written notice of its decision on
your petition for rulemaking If we do
not issue a decision on your appeal
within the 90-day period, and we
anticipate a substantial delay, we will
notify you directly about the delay and
will give you an expected decision date
PART 107-HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
PROGRAM PROCEDURES
1 The authority citation for part 107
would continue to read as follows
Authority: 49 U S C 5101-5127.4-1701.
Sec 212-213. Pub L 104-121. 110 Slat 857.
49CFR 1 45 I 53
§§ 107 1.107.5, 107.7,107 9,107 11,107 13,
107.14 [Removed]
§ 107.3 [Redesignated as § 107.1 ]
2 Part 107. subpart A, would be
amended by revising the subpart
heading, by removing §§ 107 1. 107 5.
1077. 1079, 107 11. 107 13. 107 M. and
by redesignatmg § 107 3 as § 107 I to
read as follows
Subpart A—Definitions
Issued ai Washington. DC on November 18.
1998. under authority delegated in 49 CFR
pan 106
JudithS Kaleta.
Chief Counsel
|FR Doc 98-31506. Filed 12-10-98. 8 45 ami
BILUNG CODE 4110-40-F
-------
rage I or I
Plain Language Action Network
Practical Guidance On Clarity Of The Written Word
EXAMPLES OF PLAIN ENGLISH LETTERS
VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION
OLD VERSION-Failure to Provide Claim Information
addressee
street-
city
state/zip
Dear addressee
This letter concerns your recent claim for Department of Veterans Affairs benefits
Before final action could be taken on your claim.we needed (EVIDENCE) This
evidence was requested in our letter dated (DATE) Our records do not show we have
received this evidence, therefore, we have disallowed your claim
This disallowance does not mean that you cannot submit the requested evidence You
can do so at any time. However, if the evidence is not received before (DATE), which is
one year from the date of our first letter, benefits, if entitlement is established, cannot be
paid before the date of receipt of the evidence.
If you disagree with this disallowance and believe the evidence now of record is
sufficient for us to award you benefits, please refer to the enclosed VA Form I -4107,
Notice of Procedural and Appellate Rights, which explains your rights to appeal
Sincerely yours.
Enclosure'
VAF1-4I07
http://www.plainlanguage.gov/example/letters/Ietters 1 a.htm
4/13/99
-------
v UA i_iaim miormation letter
Page I of 2
Plain Language Action Network
Practical Guidance On Clarity Of The Written Word
EXAMPLES OF PLAIN ENGLISH LETTERS
VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION
NEW VERSION-Failure to Provide Claim Information
addressee
street
city
state/zip
Dear addressee
We wrote to you on [date], for information to help us with your claim for [benefits]
We've closed your file for now because we haven't received the information
What We Needed
We asked you to send us:
. A certified copy of your marriage license [example only]
. A certified copy of Ronnie's birth certificate [example only]
. Mary's and Ronnie's Social Security numbers [example only]
Time Limit
We've closed your file for now, but you still have time to send in
the information we need. We may be able to [paybenefits/raise
your benefits] back to [date], if we receive this information by
[date]
If You Think We're Wrong
If you think we shouldn't have turned down your claim, you should
write and tell us We've attached a form which explains your rights.
If you have any questions, you may call us toll-free by dialing 1-800-827-1000. Our
TDD number for the hearing impaired is 1-800-829-4833 If you call, please have this
letter with you
Sincerely,
Enclosures
http://www.plainlanguage.gov/example/leners/leners 1 b.htm
4/13/99
-------
rage i oi
Plain Language Action Network
Practical Guidance On Clarity Of The Written Word
National Park Service
Original Version
CHAPTERS OUTGOING LOANS
A INTRODUCTION
The National Park Service enters into two types of loans, incoming and outgoing
Incoming loan transactions are considered accessions Refer to Chapter 2, Accessions,
Section C for procedures on incoming loans The National Park Service makes outgoing
loans 10 further its mission of preservation, education and research. Museum property
sent out by a park to another park, repository, non-NPS institution or organization, or
service-providing organization for exhibition, exhibit preparation, study, conservation,
photography, collections management or storage, is considered an outgoing loan by the
lending park Outgoing loans are temporary assignments of custody (but not title) by the
lender (NFS park or center) to the borrower.
In order to avoid possible liability, all conditions of the outgoing loan between lender
and borrower must be agreed to by a signed outgoing loan agreement prior to the
initiation of the outgoing loan. Outgoing loan terms and conditions provide legal
protection to both the lender and the borrower and are included in this chapter.
The National Park Service enters into two types of outgoing loans: standard outgoing
loans and repository outgoing loans.
(.Standard Outgoing Loans
Objects from the park's museum collection are loaned only for the purposes of
exhibition, research, scientific preparation, analysis, photography.conservation, or other
requested services. Loans are made to educational institutions (e g., NFS park museums,
non-NPS museums, historical societies, universities and other organizations), service-
providing organizations (e g, non-NPS and NPS conservation and analytical
laboratories or exhibit preparation firms or contractors providing these services); and
other National Park Service divisions, offices, or units Only cataloged objects can be
loaned to institutions
for exhibit purposes. If objects loaned for research purposes are not cataloged, they must
be adequately documented through another means (i e , field specimen log for
archeological collections) Objects loaned for conservation purposes must be cataloged,
unless the conservation treatment is necessary to assist with the preparation of the
material for identification purposes.
2 Repository Outgoing Loans
Repository outgoing loans are made for purposes of collections management (including
cataloging and storage) or solely storage to non-NPS repositories ,such as universities or
research institutions, to NPS centers, and occasionally to other NPS parks.
Arrangements with a non-NPS repository may be covered by a cooperative agreement
(see Figure 5 10), although each loan transaction should also be documented with an
outgoing loan agreement Outgoing loan agreements must be completed and signed for
each transaction reviewed regularly Outgoing loans to non-NPS repositories should be
renewed every ten (lO)years.
http://www.plainlanguage.gov/example/manuals/npsloan.htm 4/13/99
-------
1V1U31.U1I1 1V1O11UU1
Pago 2 of 3
3 Procedures for Documenting Objects Sent to NPS Conservation Treatment Facilities
Objects sent to a NPS conservation treatment facility (e.g , Division of Conservation.
Harpers Ferry Center) for treatment or exhibit preparation are processed as a standard
outgoing loan
Objects to be loaned to the conservation treatment facility are identified by either an
Object Treatment Request (OTR). initiated by the lending park, or selected h\ the
curator and or a conservator from objects identified bv an approved exhibit pl.in ,md a
separate list prepared
An OTR must be submitted to the NPS conservation treatment facility, through the
regional curator, for objects that are not included m an exhibit plan The lending park
prepares the outgoing loan agreement unless prepared by the NPS conservation
treatment facility. Objects may be shipped only when the loan agreement is signed by
both responsible officials. Shipment of objects will be documented with a receipt for
property initiated by the lending park and signed by the park curator and an authorized
official at the NPS conservation treatment facility As objects are returned to the park,
the same procedure applies, except the receipt for property is initiated by the authorized
official at the NPS conservation treatment facility
Exhibit projects, such as those planned at Harpers Ferry Center, often include a large
number of objects requiring treatment, mounting, or other exhibit preparation, and may
be sent in batches to the treatment facility over a period of time A single outgoing loan
agreement may cover all the shipments needed for an entire exhibit. After the loan
agreement is signed by both panics, objects may be shipped to the facility at mutually
agreed upon times Each shipment to and from the lending park and the treatment
facility will be documented with receipts for property as indicated above for the OTR
process
4 Documentation of Outgoing Loans
Information needed to make an outgoing loan is contained on the Outgoing Loan
Agreement (Form 10-127 Rev.; Figure 5.2). The conditions governing outgoing loans
are described in the Conditions for Standard Outgoing Loans (Form I0-I27a Rev ,
Figure 5.4), the Conditions for Standard Outgoing Loans (NPS Conservation Treatment
Facilities) (Form 10-127b, Figure 5.5), the Conditions for Repository Outgoing Loans
(non-NPS) (Form 10-127c Rev.; Figure 5.6) and Conditions for Repository Outgoing
Loans (NPS) (Form 10-127d Rev.; Figure 5.7). Specific conditions, such as special
handling or additional insurance conditions, to be met by the borrower should be noted
in the special conditions section of the outgoing loan agreement.
The superintendent must sign the outgoing loan agreement, but other staff may process
the loan. The standard outgoing loan agreement is generated by the lending park.
Between NPS units, the lending park will follow outgoing loan procedures The
borrowing park may use the lender's outgoing loan agreement to document the incoming
loan, but must follow all other incoming documentation procedures as outlined in
Chapter 2 of this handbook In this instance, the accession number assigned to the
incoming loan must be placed on the lender's outgoing loan form by the borrower when
filed. The NPS repository agreement may be generated by the NPS repository but must
be signed by the superintendent. All non-NPS repository loan agreements must be
generated by the lending park
The lending park or center must update the status field in ANCS. An object temporary
removal slip should be completed for all standard loans For further details on
documenting and tracking loans, see Chapter 5, Section E.
Flow charts for processing loans are found in Figure 511, Flow Chart for Standard
Outgoing Loans; and Figure 5 12, Flow Chart for Repository Outgoing Loans
http://www.plainlanguage.gov/example/manuals/npsloan.htm 4/13/99
-------
JJage 1 or
Plain Language Action Network
Practical Guidance On Clarity Of Tha Written Word
EXAMPLES OF PLAIN ENGLISH LETTERS
VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION
OLD VERSION-Pension Medical Evidence
addressee
street
city
state/zip
Dear addressee
Please furnish medical evidence in support of your pension claim The best evidence to
submit would be a report of a recent examination by your personal physician, or a report
from a hospital or clinic that has treated you recently. The report should include
complete findings and diagnoses of the condition which render you permanently and
totally disabled, k is not necessary for you to receive an examination at this time. We
only need a report from a doctor, hospital, or clinic that has treated you recently.
This evidence should be submitted as soon as possible, preferably within 60 days If we
do not receive this information within 60 days from the date of this letter, your claim
will be denied. Evidence must be received in the Department of Veterans Affairs within
one year from the date of this letter; otherwise, benefits, if entitlement is established,
may not be paid prior to the date of its receipt
SHOW VETERAN'S FULL NAME AND VA FILE NUMBER ON ALL EVIDENCE
SUBMITTED.
Privacy Act Information: The information requested by this letter is authorized by
existing law (38 U S.C. 210 (c) (1)) and is considered necessary and relevant to
determine entitlement to maximum benefits applied for under the law The information
submitted may be disclosed outside the Department of Veterans Affairs only as
permitted by law
Sincerely,
hnp://www.plainlanguage.gov/example/leners/letters 1 c.htm
4/13/99
-------
v DA pension letter Page I of 2
Plain Language Action Network
Practical Guidance On Clarity Of The Written Word
EXAMPLES OF PLAIN ENGLISH LETTERS
VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION
NEW VERSION-Pension Medical Evidence
addressee
street
city
state/zip
Dear addressee
We have your claim for a pension Our laws require us to ask you for more information
The information you give us will help us decide whether we can pay you a pension
What We Need
Send us a medical report from a doctor or clinic that you visited in the past six months
The report should show why you can't work.
Please take this letter and the enclosed Doctor's Guide to your doctor.
When We Need It
We need the doctor's report by [date] We'll have lo mm down your claim if we don't get
the report by that date.
Your Right to Privacy
The information you give us is private. We might have to give out this information in a
few special cases. But we will not give it out to the general public without your
permission We've attached a form which explains your privacy rights
If you have any questions, call us toll-free by dialing 1-800-827-1000 Our TDD
number for the hearing impaired is 1-800-829-4833 If you call, please have this letter
with you.
Sincerely
Enclosures
Your Privacy Rights
Doctor's Guide
http://www.plainlanguage.gov/example/letters/lettersl d.htm 4/13/99
-------
Hauc I ol 5
Plain Language Action Network
Practical Guidance On Clarity Of The Written Word
National Park Service
CHAPTER B: OUTGOING LOANS
A.
OVERVIEW
1. Why does the
National Park
Service make
outgoing loans?
2. Who must
follow this
chapter?
Outgoing loans of museum collections
further the National Park Service (NFS)
mission of preservation, education and
research. Parks also make outgoing loans
to repositories for the purposes of long-
term collections management and storage.
Outgoing loans give borrowers temporary
custody, not title.
If you are the staff person responsible for
a museum collection, you must follow this
chapter to make outgoing loans of museum
objects. These procedures ensure that the
collections are appropriately managed and
that the NPS and the borrower are legally
protected.
Refer to Chapter 2, Accessioning, Section C
for procedures on incoming loans.
B. General
Information
on Loans
1. For what
purposes may I
lend museum
objects?
2. For how long
may
I lend museum
objects?
You may lend objects from the park
museum collection for various purposes
such as exhibition, research, scientific or
exhibit preparation, analysis,
photography, conservation, or other
requested services, and for long-term
collections management and storage.
If you are lending to...
Limit
tlm
loan
to...
NPS andnon-NPS repositories
10
years
http://www.plainianguage.gov/example/manuals/npsloan2.htm
4/13/99
-------
iviuiiucii 1 L>
Haue 2 ot 5
through cooperative agreements 5 years
to any other 3vears
institution or organization
All loans must must have a specific
termination date. If a borrower requests an
extension, you may grant it if you follow
section E.3.
Repository loans remain at the designated
repository until you ask for them back. You
may renew these loans as listed above. The
repository must return the loan if it is unable
to meet the terms of the agreement.
3 To whom may I You may lend museum objects to several
lend different types of recipients:
museum objects?
• Educational, cultural, or scientific
institutions (for example, NFS park
museums, non-NPS museums,
historical societies, universities,
research institutions, and other
organizations).
• Service-providing organizations (for
example, NFS and non-NFS
conservation and analytical
laboratories or exhibit preparation
firms or contractors providing these
services).
• NFS centers for collections
management (including cataloging
and storage).
• Non-NPS repositories for collections
management (including cataloging
and storage).
• Other NFS divisions, offices, and
units.
You may not lend museum objects to private
individuals.
4 Must I catalog Catalog the following objects before you
objects before |end them:
lending them7
• Objects lent for exhibit or exhibit
preparation.
• Ojects lent for research or analysis.
If you don't catalog them, at least
document them adequately for
example, in a field specimen log.
http://www.plainlanguage.gov/example/manuals/npsloan2.htm 4/13/99
-------
Page I ot L
REGULATORY REINVENTION
VI \
IW
"Plain English" Regulations
The difficulty in understanding federal regulations has been a longstanding
criticism of federal agencies, including EPA. In order to reduce regulatory
burden on our stakeholders and improve regulatory compliance, EPA has
established a pilot program aimed at improving both the clarity and
comprehension of regulatory language. Under the pilot, 13 regulations cutting
across all program areas are being written or revised using more concise
language In addition, they are being restructured to allow users to find
information more quickly. Results from this effort should become visible this
summer when EPA begins issuing the first of these regulations for public
comment.
What To Expect. . .
Sample Language from Hazardous Waste Rulemaking
Current
Exemption for listed
hazardous waste containing
low concentrations of
hazardous constituents and
managed in landfills and
monofills.
(a) Any hazardous waste listed
under this subpart, any mixture
of such a listed waste with a
solid waste, or any waste
derived from the treatment,
storage or disposal of such a
listed waste is exempt from
regulation as a hazardous waste
Plain English
What waste is eligible for this
exemption?
(a) Three types of waste are
eligible for exemption from the
requirements in parts 262-266
and 270 of this chapter.
(1) Any hazardous waste listed
in this subpart.
(2) Any mixture of such a listed
waste with a solid waste.
(3) Any waste derived from
http://www.epa.gov/reinvent/new597/Plain.htm
4/13/99
-------
tjai>e 1 ol 2
under parts 262-266 and 270 of
this chapter if it meets the
requirements in 261.37(b) and
(d) (including the requirement
that all hazardous constituents
present m the waste be at or
belou the levels listed in
appendix XI to this part and that
the waste be disposed in a
landfill or monofill. but not a
land application unit). To
maintain the exemption, the
waste must satisfy the
conditions in 26l.37(e). Any
such waste which also meets the
requirements of 261.37(0 is
also exempt from the
requirements of part 268 of this
chapter.
treating, storing or disposing of
a listed waste.
(b) To be exempt, the \\aste
must meet the requirements in
261 37(h>and(d)
(c) To remain exempt, the waste
must meet the requirements in
261.3 7 (e).
(d) If the waste also meets the
requirements of 261.37(f), it
also is exempt from the
requirements of part 268 of this
chapter.
Related links:
• 'lid.1'"II '111=LIJ=S
Reinventing Government)
• "I'lain Lanmuiuc Online"
Partnership for
back to the lop of this page
\n rVstckle I la/aaloi^ V\ d
\\
c'iil lirminu R.LMII\ ontion
http:Vwww.epa. gov/reinvent/new597/Plain.htm
4/13/99
-------
REGULATORY REINVENTION
\l-\\
"Plain English" Regulations
The difficulty in understanding federal regulations has been a longstanding
criticism of federal agencies, including EPA. In order to reduce regulatory
burden on our stakeholders and improve regulatory compliance, EPA has
established a pilot program aimed at improving both the clarity and
comprehension of regulatory language. Under the pilot, 13 regulations cutting
across all program areas are being written or revised using more concise
language. In addition, they are being restructured to allow users to find
information more quickly. Results from this effort should become visible this
summer when EPA begins issuing the first of these regulations for public
comment
What To Expect. . .
Sample Language from Hazardous Waste Rulemaking
Current
Exemption for listed
hazardous waste containing
low concentrations of
hazardous constituents and
managed in landfills and
monofllls.
(a) Any hazardous waste listed
under this subpart, any mixture
of such a listed waste with a
solid waste, or any waste
derived from the treatment,
storage or disposal of such a
listed waste is exempt from
regulation as a hazardous waste
Plain English
What waste is eligible for this
exemption?
(a) Three types of waste are
eligible for exemption from the
requirements in parts 262-266
and 270 of this chapter.
(1) Any hazardous waste listed
in this subpart.
(2) Any mixture of such a listed
waste with a solid waste.
(3) Any waste derived from
http://www.epa.gov/reinvent/new597/Plain.htm
4/13/99
-------
ljagc 2 ot 1
under parts 262-266 and 270 of
this chapter if it meets the
requirements in 261.37(b) and
(d) (including the requirement
that all hazardous constituents
present in the waste be at or
below the levels listed in
appendix XI to this part and that
the waste be disposed in a
landfill or monofill. but not a
land application unit). To
maintain the exemption, the
waste must satisfy the
conditions in 261.37(e). Any
such waste which also meets the
requirements of 261.37(f) is
also exempt from the
requirements of part 268 of this
chapter.
treating, storing or disposing of
a listed waste.
(b) To be exempt, the waste
must meet the requirements in
261 37(b)and(d)
(c) To remain exempt, the waste
must meet the requirements in
261.37 (e).
(d) If the waste also meets the
requirements of 261.37(0, it
also is exempt from the
requirements of part 268 of this
chapter.
Related linlcs:
• I'lam L.iniiua.ue \elioii V'luor
Reinventing Government)
• "Plain Laniuiuiie Online"
(at National Partnership for
back to the top of this page
Home || _\li II Pesticides || 1 la/anUuis V\ astc ||
Water || Reaffirmmu Reinvention
http://www.epa.gov/reinvent/new597/Plain.htm
4/13/99
------- |