Report a Safety Concern
Search

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission is in the process of rescinding or revising guidance and policies posted on this webpage in accordance with Executive Order 14151 Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing, and Executive Order 14168 Defending Women From Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government. In the interim, any previously issued diversity, equity, inclusion, or gender-related guidance on this webpage should be considered rescinded that is inconsistent with these Executive Orders.

Home NRC Library Document Collections NUREG-Series Publications Publications Prepared by NRC Staff

NRC Editorial Style Guide (NUREG-1379, Revision 4)

On this page:

Download complete document

Publication Information

Manuscript Completed: April 2025
Date Published: April 2025

L. Ronewicz, NRC Project Manager

Prepared by:
Office of Administration
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Washington, DC 20555-0001

Availability Notice

Abstract

NUREG-1379, Revision 4, "NRC Editorial Style Guide," is revised in accordance with Executive Order 14151 and Executive Order 14168. 

The balance of Revision 4 generally remains the same as Revision 3, which presents style guidance for U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) documents. It addresses editorial issues that the staff and NRC contractors often handle, and it contains guidance specific to the language of nuclear technology and regulation.

This style guide also links writers and editors to external authorities and agency resources for additional information on the topics covered, including the principles of plain writing. Additionally, the guide modernizes agency guidance on typography and updates the spelling and use of computer-related terminology.

This revision substantially aligns NRC style with these well-known authorities: The Chicago Manual of Style Online (Chicago), the GPO Style Manual, and Federal Plain Language Guidelines. It is important to note that these references often present more than one acceptable way to write; moreover, they do not always agree. In most cases, Chicago style is used. In those cases where Chicago is not followed, the preferred or required source for certain types of agency documents is usually identified.

This guidance will make agency documents more accessible to those for whom they are written
and support the Commission’s values of openness and clarity.

Page Last Reviewed/Updated Wednesday, April 09, 2025