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transmitted by registered or certified mail and addressed to the appropriate office is considered to be filed upon mailing.

(3) Timeliness. Documents are to be filed with the appropriate DOE or OFE office listed in §501.11. Documents that are to be considered filed upon receipt under paragraph (a)(1) of this section and that are received after regular business hours are deemed filed on the next regular business day. Regular business hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

(4) Computation of time. In computing any period of time prescribed or allowed by FUA, these regulations or by an order, the day of the act, event, or default from which the designated period of time begins to run is not to be included. The last day of the period so computed is to be included unless it is a Saturday, Sunday, or Federal legal holiday in which event the period runs until the end of the next day that is neither a Saturday, Sunday, nor a Federal legal holiday.

(5) Additional time after service by mail. Whenever a person is required to perform an act, to cease and desist therefrom, or to initiate a proceeding under this part within a prescribed period of time and the order, notice, interpretation or other document is served by mail, three (3) days shall be added to the prescribed period.

(6) Extension of time. When a document is required to be filed within a prescribed time, an extension of time to file may be granted upon good cause shown.

(7) Signing. All applications, petitions, requests, comments, and other documents that are required to be signed, shall be signed by the person filing the document or a duly authorized representative. Any application, petition, request, complaint, or other document filed by a duly authorized representative shall contain a statement by such person certifying that he is a duly authorized representative, unless an OFE form otherwise requires. (A false certification is unlawful under the provisions of 18 U.S.C. 1001 (1970).)

(8) Labeling. An application, petition, or other request for action by DOE or OFE should be clearly labeled according to the nature of the action involved, e.g., “Petition for Temporary

Exemption;" "Petition for Extension (or Renewal) of Temporary Exemption," both on the document and on the outside of the envelope in which the document is transmitted.

(9) Obligation to supply information. A person who files an application, petition, complaint, or other request for action is under a continuing obligation during the proceeding to provide DOE or OFE with any new or newly discovered information that is relevant to that proceeding. Such information includes, but is not limited to, information regarding any other application, petition, complaint, or request for action that is subsequently filed by that person with any DOE office or OFE office.

(10) The same or related matters. In filing a petition or other document requesting OFE action, the person must state whether, to the best of his knowledge, the same or a related issue, act or transaction has been or presently is being considered or investigated by a DOE office, other Federal agency, department or instrumentality, or a State or municipal agency.

(11) Request for confidential treatment. (i) If any person filing a document with DOE or OFE claims that some or all of the information contained in the document is exempt from the mandatory public disclosure requirements of the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552); is information referred to in 18 U.S.C. 1905; or is otherwise exempt by law from public disclosure, and if such person requests DOE or OFE not to disclose such information, such person shall make a filing in accordance with paragraph (b)(2) of this section. The person shall indicate in the original document that it is confidential or contains confidential information and may file a statement specifying the justification for non-disclosure of the information for which confidential treatment is claimed. If the person states that the information comes within the exception in 5 U.S.C. 552(b)(4) for trade secrets and commercial or financial information, such person shall include a statement specifying why such information is privileged or confidential. If a document is not so filed, OFE may assume that there is no objection to public disclosure of the document in its

entirety, unless the person subsequently files a claim of confidentiality prior to public disclosure of the document.

(ii) DOE or OFE retains the right to make its own determination with regard to any claim of confidentiality. Notice of the decision by DOE or OFE to deny such claim, in whole or in part, and an opportunity to respond or take other appropriate action to avoid release shall be given to a person claiming confidentiality of information no less than seven (7) days prior to its public disclosure.

(iii) The above provisions in paragraphs (a)(11) (i) and (ii) of this section do not apply to information submitted on OFE forms that contain their own instructions concerning the treatment of confidential information.

(12) Separate applications, petitions or requests. Each application, petition, or request for DOE or OFE action shall be submitted as a separate document, even if the applications, petitions, or requests deal with the same or a related issue, act, or transaction, or are submitted in connection with the same proceeding.

(b) Number of documents to be filed. (1) A petitioner must file an executed original and fourteen (14) copies of all exemption requests submitted to DOE. For certification requests, an original and three (3) copies shall be submitted.

(2) Where the petitioner requests confidential treatment of some or all of the information submitted, an original and eleven (11) copies of the confidential document and three (3) copies of the document with confidential material deleted must be filed.

[46 FR 59889, Dec. 7, 1981, as amended at 47 FR 15314, Apr. 9, 1982; 54 FR 52891, Dec. 22, 1989]

§ 501.8 [Reserved]

§ 501.9 Effective date of orders or rules.

(a) When OFE issues a rule or order imposing a prohibition or granting an exemption (or permit) under FUA, the rule or order will be effective sixty (60) days after publication in the FEDERAL REGISTER, unless it is stayed, modified, suspended or rescinded.

(b) If the appropriate State regulatory authority has not approved a powerplant for which a petition has been filed, such exemption, to the extent it applies to the prohibition under section 201 of FUA against construction without the capability of using coal or another alternate fuel, shall not take effect until all approvals required by such State regulatory authority which relate to construction have been obtained.

[54 FR 52891, Dec. 22, 1989]

§ 501.10 Order of precedence.

If there is any conflict or inconsistency between the provisions of this part and any other provisions or parts of this chapter, except for general procedures which are unique to part 515 of this chapter, the provisions of this part will control respect to procedure.

[54 FR 52891, Dec. 22, 1989]

§ 501.11 Address for filing documents.

Send all petitions, self-certifications and written communications to the following address: Office of Fossil Energy, Office of Fuels Programs, Coal and Electricity Division, Mail Code FE-52, 1000 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20585.

[54 FR 52891, Dec. 22, 1989]

$501.12 Public files.

DOE will make available at the Freedom of Information reading room, room 1E190, 1000 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC for public inspection and copying any information required by statute and any information that OFE determines should be made available to the public.

[54 FR 52891, Dec. 22, 1989] § 501.13 Appeal.

There is no administrative appeal of any final administrative action to which this part applies.

§ 501.14 Notice to Environmental Protection Agency.

A copy of any proposed rule or order that imposes a prohibition, order that imposes a prohibition, or a petition for an exemption or permit, shall be transmitted for comments, if any, to the Ad

ministrator and the appropriate Regional Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The Administrator of EPA shall be given the same opportunity to comment and question as is given other interested persons.

[54 FR 52891, Dec. 22, 1989]

Subpart B-(Reserved)

Subpart C-Written Comments, Public Hearings and Conferences During Administrative Proceedings

§ 501.30 Purpose and scope.

This subpart establishes the procedures for requests for and the conduct of public hearings; for submission of written comments; and for requests for and conduct of conferences pursuant to an administrative proceeding before OFE. Hearings shall be convened at the request of any interested person, in accordance with section 701(d) of FUA, and shall be held at a time and place to be decided by the Presiding Officer.

§ 501.31 Written comments.

(a) New facilities. Except as may be provided elsewhere in these regulations, OFE shall provide a period of at least forty-five (45) days, commencing with publication of the Notice of Acceptance of Petition, of in the case of certification exemptions, Notice of Acceptance and availability of Certification, in the FEDERAL REGISTER in accordance with § 501.63(a), for submission of written comments concerning a petition for an exemption. Written comments shall be made in accordance with § 501.7.

(b) Existing facilities. Except as may be provided elsewhere in these regulations, OFE shall provide a period of at least 45 days for submission of written comments concerning a proposed prohibition rule or order or a petition for a permit. In the case of a proposed prohibition rule or order issued to an existing electing powerplant, OFE shall also provide for a period of at least 45 days for submission of written comments concerning a Tentative Staff Analysis. This period shall commence on the day after publication of the No

tice of Availability of the Tentative Staff Analysis in the FEDERAL REGISTER. In the case of prohibition order proceedings for certifying powerplants under section 301 of FUA, as amended, OFE shall provide a period of at least 45 days, beginning the day after the Notice of Acceptance of certification is published, for submission of written comments concerning the certification and OFE's proposed prohibition order, and requests for public hearings. Prohibition order proceedings under section 301, as amended by OBRA, will have only one period of 45 days, since no Tentative Staff Analysis will be prepared. The comment period may be extended by OFE in accordance with § 501.7. See §501.52(b) of this part for further information with respect to the comment period. Written comments shall be filed in accordance with §501.7. (Department of Energy Organization Act, Pub. L. 95-91, 91 Stat. 565 (42 U.S.C. 7101 et seq.); Powerplant and Industrial Fuel Use Act of 1978, Pub. L. 95-620, 92 Stat. 3289 (42 U.S.C. 8301 et seq.); Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981 (Pub. L. 97-35); E.O. 12009, 42 FR 46267, Sept. 15, 1977)

[46 FR 59889, Dec. 7, 1981, as amended at 47 FR 50848, Nov. 10, 1982; 54 FR 52892, Dec. 22, 1989]

$501.32 Conferences

(other than

prepetition conferences).

(a) At any time following commencement of a proceeding before OFE, an interested person may request a conference with the staff of OFE to discuss a petition, permit or any other issue pending before OFE. The request for a conference should generally be in writing and should indicate the subjects to be covered and should describe the requester's interest in the proceeding. Conferences held after the commencement of an administrative proceeding before OFE shall be convened at the discretion of OFE or the Presiding Offi

cer.

(b) When OFE convenes a conference in accordance with this section, any person invited may present views as to the issue or issues involved. Documentary evidence may be submitted at the conference and such evidence, to the extent that it is not deemed to be confidential, will be included in the administrative record. OFE will not normally have a transcript of the con

ference prepared but may do so at its discretion.

(c) Because a conference is solely for the exchange of views incident to a proceeding, there will be no formal report or findings by OFE unless OFE in its discretion determines that the preparation of a report or findings would be advisable. OFE will, however, place in the public file a record of any conference.

$501.33 Request for a public hearing.

(a) New facilities. In the case of a petition for an exemption under title II of FUA, any interested person may submit a written request that OFE convene a public hearing in accordance with section 701 of FUA no later than forty-five (45) days after publication of either the Notice of Acceptance of a petition, or in the case of a certification exemption, the publication of the Notice of Acceptance of Certification. This time period may be extended at the discretion of OFE.

(b) Existing powerplants. In the case of a petition for an exemption from a prohibition imposed by a final rule or order issued by OFE to an electing powerplant under former sections of title III of FUA or a petition for a permit under $504.1, any interested person may submit a written request that OFE convene a public hearing in accordance with section 701 of FUA within 45 days after the notice of the filing of a petition is published in the FEDERAL REGISTER. In the case of a proposed prohibition rule or order issued to an electing powerplant under former section 301, the 45 day period in which to request a public hearing shall commence upon the publication of the Notice of Availability of the Tentative Staff Analysis. In the case of a proposed prohibition order to be issued to certifying powerplants under section 301 of FUA, as amended, the 45 day period in which to request a public hearing commences upon publication of the Notice of Acceptance of Certification. This time limit may be extended at the discretion of OFE in accordance with § 501.7.

(c) Contents of request. A request for a public hearing must be in writing and must include a description of the requesting party's interest in the pro

ceeding and a statement of the issues involved. The request should, to the extent possible, identify any witnesses that are to be called, summarize the anticipated testimony to be given at the hearing, and outline questions that are to be posed.

(Department of Energy Organization Act, Pub. L. 95-91, 91 Stat. 565 (42 U.S.C. 7101 et seq.); Powerplant and Industrial Fuel Use Act of 1978, Pub. L. 95-620, 92 Stat. 3269 (42 U.S.C. 8301 et seq.); Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981 (Pub. L. 97-35); E.O. 12009, 42 FR 46267, Sept. 15, 1977)

[46 FR 59889, Dec. 7, 1981, as amended at 47 FR 50848, Nov. 10, 1982; 54 FR 52892, Dec. 22, 1989]

$501.34 Public hearing.

(a) A public hearing under this subsection is for the purpose of insuring that all issues are fully and properly developed, but is not a formal adjudicatory hearing subject to the provisions of 5 U.S.C. 554 and 556.

(b) Opportunity to be heard at a public hearing. (1) Any interested person, may request, and OFE will provide, an opportunity to present oral or written data, views and arguments at a public hearing on any proposed prohibition rule or order, or on any petition for an exemption or permit. An interested person may file a request to be listed as a party to a hearing on the service list prepared by the Presiding Officer pursuant to § 501.34(d) of this part.

(2) Participants at the public hearing will have an opportunity to present oral or written data, views and arguments.

(3) A request for a public hearing may be withdrawn by the requestor at any time. If other persons have requested to participate as parties in the public hearing, OFE may cancel the hearing only if all parties agree to cancellation. OFE will give notice, whenever possible, in the FEDERAL REGISTER of the cancellation of any hearings for which there has been prior notice.

(c) Presiding Officer. OFE will appoint a Presiding Officer to conduct the public hearing.

(d) Powers of the Presiding Officer. The Presiding Officer is responsible for orderly conduct of the hearing and for certification of the record of the public hearing. The Presiding Officer will not

prepare any recommended findings, conclusions, or any other recommendations for disposition of a particular case, except those of a procedural nature. The Presiding Officer has, but is not limited to the following powers:

(1) Administer oaths, affirmations and protective orders;

(2) Issue administrative subpoenas and rule on motions to modify or withdraw subpoenas that he has issued;

(3) Rule on questions as to relevance and materiality of evidence;

(4) Regulate the course of the public hearing;

(5) Hold conferences for the simplification of issues by consent of the parties;

(6) Require submission of evidence in writing where appropriate;

(7) Establish service lists;

(8) Dispose of procedural requests and similar matters; and

(9) Take other actions authorized by these rules.

The Presiding Officer may also limit the number of witnesses to be presented by any party and may impose reasonable time limits for testimony. The Presiding Officer shall establish and maintain a service list that contains the names and addresses of all parties to the OFE proceeding. At the time the Presiding Officer certifies the record, he will provide the staff of OFE with an index of the issues addressed in the record.

(e) Notice. OFE will convene a public hearing only after publishing a notice in the FEDERAL REGISTER that states the time, place and nature of the public hearing.

(f) Opportunity to question at the public hearing. At any public hearing requested pursuant to paragraph (b) of this section, with respect to disputed issues of material fact, OFE will provide any interested person an opportunity to question:

(1) Other interested persons who make oral presentations;

(2) Employees and contractors of the United States who have made written or oral presentations or who have participated in the development of the proposed rule or order or in the consideration of the petition for an exemption or permit; and

(3) Experts and consultants who have provided information to any person who makes an oral presentation and which is contained in or referred to in such presentation.

(g) OFE encourages persons who wish to question Government witnesses to submit their questions at least ten (10) days in advance of the hearing.

(h) The Presiding Officer will allow questions by any interested person to be asked of those making presentations or submitting information, data, analyses or views at the hearing. The Presiding Officer may restrict questioning if he determines that such questioning is duplicative or is not likely to result in a timely and effective resolution of issues pending in the administrative proceeding for which the hearing is being conducted.

(1) The Presiding Officer or OFE may exercise discretion to control a hearing by denying, temporarily or permanently, the privilege of participating in a particular OFE hearing if OFE finds, for example, that a person:

(1) Has knowingly made false or misleading statements, either orally or in writing;

(2) Has knowingly filed false affidavits or other writings;

(3) Lacks the specific authority to represent the person seeking an OFE action; or

(4) Has disrupted or is disrupting a hearing.

(j) Evidence. (1) The Presiding Officer is responsible for orderly submission of information, data, materials, views or other evidence into the record of the public hearing. The Presiding Officer may exclude any evidence that is irrelevant, immaterial or unduly repetitious. Judicial rules of evidence do not apply.

(2) Documentary material must be of a size consistent with ease of handling, transportation and filing, and a reasonable number of copies should be made available at the public hearing for the use of interested persons. An original and fourteen (14) copies shall be furnished to the Presiding Officer and one copy to each party listed on the service list. Large exhibits that are used during the hearing must be provided on no larger than 111⁄2"x14" legal size paper if

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