§  1.1200   Introduction.

   (a) Purpose. To ensure the fairness and integrity of its
   decision-making, the Commission has prescribed rules to regulate ex
   parte presentations in Commission proceedings. These rules specify
   "exempt" proceedings, in which ex parte presentations may be made
   freely (§ 1.1204(b)), "permit-but-disclose" proceedings, in which ex
   parte presentations to Commission decision-making personnel are
   permissible but subject to certain disclosure requirements (§ 1.1206),
   and "restricted" proceedings in which ex parte presentations to and
   from Commission decision-making personnel are generally prohibited
   (§ 1.1208). In all proceedings, a certain period ("the Sunshine Agenda
   period") is designated in which all presentations to Commission
   decision-making personnel are prohibited (§ 1.1203). The limitations on
   ex parte presentations described in this section are subject to certain
   general exceptions set forth in § 1.1204(a). Where the public interest
   so requires in a particular proceeding, the Commission and its staff
   retain the discretion to modify the applicable ex parte rules by order,
   letter, or public notice. Joint Boards may modify the ex parte rules in
   proceedings before them.

   (b) Inquiries concerning the propriety of ex parte presentations should
   be directed to the Office of General Counsel.

   [ 62 FR 15853 , Apr. 3, 1997]