Opinion ID: 1697455
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: commission as proper party to action

Text: MUD next argues that because the Commission is a neutral factfinding body, it cannot appeal under § 84-917(2)(a). Section 84-917(2)(a) provides in part: Proceedings for review shall be instituted by filing a petition in the district court of the county where the action is taken within thirty days after the service of the final decision by the agency. All parties of record shall be made parties to the proceedings for review. If an agency's only role in a contested case is to act as a neutral factfinding body, the agency shall not be a party of record. In all other cases, the agency shall be a party of record. An administrative agency is a neutral factfinding body when it is neither an adversary nor an advocate of a party. See Zalkins Peerless Co. v. Nebraska Equal Opp. Comm., 217 Neb. 289, 348 N.W.2d 846 (1984). But when an administrative agency acts as the primary civil enforcement agency, it is more than a neutral fact finderit is a required party. See Becker v. Nebraska Acct. & Disclosure Comm., 249 Neb. 28, 541 N.W.2d 36 (1995). Neb.Rev.Stat. § 66-1804(1) (Reissue 2003) sets out the Commission's powers concerning natural gas utilities: The commission shall have full power, authority, and jurisdiction to regulate natural gas public utilities and may do all things necessary and convenient for the exercise of such power, authority, and jurisdiction. Except as provided in the Nebraska Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Act of 1969, and notwithstanding any other provision of law, such power, authority, and jurisdiction shall extend to, but not be limited to, all matters encompassed within the State Natural Gas Regulation Act and sections 57-1301 to 57-1307. Under the statutory authority given to the Commission, it acts as more than a neutral factfinding body. The Commission has the authority to set conditions on certifications, resolve disputes, investigate complaints, issue orders, and enforce orders. Neb.Rev.Stat. §§ 68-1811 (Reissue 2003) and 66-1849. We determine that the Commission is a required party in the action and could appeal the court's order.