Process step | Process day | Must generally be completed | See section |
(1) Forest Service files preliminary condition(s) with FERC | 0 | | 1.620. |
(2) License party files request for hearing | 30 | Within 30 days after Forest Service files preliminary condition(s) with FERC | 1.621(a). |
(3) Any other license party files notice of intervention and response | 50 | Within 20 days after deadline for filing requests for hearing | 1.622(a). |
(4) NFS refers case to ALJ office for hearing and issues referral notice to parties | 85 | Within 55 days after deadline for filing requests for hearing | 1.626(a). |
(5) Parties may meet and agree to discovery (optional step) | 86-91 | Before deadline for filing motions seeking discovery | 1.641(a). |
(6) ALJ office sends docketing notice, and ALJ issues notice setting date for initial prehearing conference | 90 | Within 5 days after effective date of referral notice | 1.630. |
(7) Party files motion seeking discovery from another party | 92 | Within 7 days after effective date of referral notice | 1.641(d). |
(8) Other party files objections to discovery motion or specific portions of discovery requests | 99 | Within 7 days after service of discovery motion | 1.641(e). |
(9) Parties meet to discuss discovery and hearing schedule | 100-104 | Before date set for initial prehearing conference | 1.640(d). |
(10) ALJ conducts initial prehearing conference | 105 | On or about 20th day after effective date of referral notice | 1.640(a). |
(11) ALJ issues order following initial prehearing conference | 107 | Within 2 days after initial prehearing conference | 1.640(g). |
(12) Party responds to interrogatories from another party as authorized by ALJ | 120-22 | Within 15 days after ALJ's order authorizing discovery during or following initial prehearing conference | 1.643(c). |
(13) Party responds to requests for documents, etc., from another party as authorized by ALJ | 120-22 | Within 15 days after ALJ's order authorizing discovery during or following initial prehearing conference | 1.645(c). |
(14) Parties complete all discovery, including depositions, as authorized by ALJ | 130 | Within 25 days after initial prehearing conference | 1.641(i). |
(15) Parties file updated lists of witnesses and exhibits | 140 | Within 10 days after deadline for completion of discovery | 1.642(b). |
(16) Parties file written direct testimony | 140 | Within 10 days after deadline for completion of discovery | 1.652(a). |
(17) Parties complete prehearing preparation and ALJ commences hearing | 155 | Within 25 days after deadline for completion of discovery | 1.650(a). |
(18) ALJ closes hearing record | 160 | When ALJ closes hearing | 1.658. |
(19) Parties file post-hearing briefs | 175 | Within 15 days after hearing closes | 1.659(a). |
(20) ALJ issues decision | 190 | Within 30 days after hearing closes | 1.660(a). |