Sec. 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 
(Sec. 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 (Sec. 1.1206), and 
``restricted'' proceedings in which ex parte presentations to and from 
Commission decision-making personnel are generally prohibited 
(Sec. 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 (Sec. 1.1203). The limitations 
on ex parte presentations described in this section are subject to 
certain general exceptions set forth in Sec. 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.

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    (b) Inquiries concerning the propriety of ex parte presentations 
should be directed to the Office of General Counsel.
[ 62 FR 15853 , Apr. 3, 1997]