Administrative law judges shall have authority to (a) administer oaths and affirmations; (b) issue subpoenas authorized by law; (c) rule upon offers of proof and receive relevant evidence; (d) take or cause depositions to be taken whenever the ends of justice would be served thereby; (e) regulate the course of the hearing; (f) hold conferences for the settlement or simplification of the issues by consent of the parties; (g) dispose of procedural requests or similar matters; (h) render recommended decisions in proceedings on applications for permits, and in suspension, revocation, or annulment proceedings against permits;
27 C.F.R. § 71.97