WASHINGTON-The U.S. Government Printing Office (GPO) and the National Archives' Office of the Federal Register (OFR) have taken another step in making Government information open and transparent for the American public.  The agencies have introduced an Application Programming Interface (API) for Federal Register.gov, enabling information technology developers to create new applications for regulatory information published in the Federal Register.  The API is an open data tool packaged in a light-weight, Web-friendly data transfer format that requires only a Web browser or client to begin development projects. This interface enables developers to tailor applications for sub-sets of agencies and particular documents, and to optimize resources for the mobile Web.  Many Open Government supporters have given the API positive reviews.

"GPO and OFR have once again shown how to make Government information transparent and easily available for the public to use," said Public Printer Bill Boarman. "This Application Programming Interface is another example of GPO's commitment to permanent public access as the digital information platform for the Federal Government."

"We are excited to offer tools that will increase access and openness to all.  This Application Programming Interface embodies our ongoing commitment to Open Government," said Ray Mosley, Director of the Federal Register.

The API is a continuation of improvements made to Federal Register 2.0 for the public since the site was launched in July 2010. The Federal Register is the official daily publication for rules, proposed rules, and notices of Federal agencies and organizations, as well as executive orders and other Presidential documents.