Opinion ID: 432207
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Extra-Record Communications

Text: 24 Ukiah also claims it was denied due process when the Commission's staff counsel orally requested and received information about the 1982 contract from Sonoma and the Corps. Specifically, Ukiah objects to three filings by Sonoma in response to oral requests for a copy of, and comments on, the proposed 1982 contract between Sonoma and the Corps. Ukiah also objects to a request by the Commission's staff counsel to the Corps for a copy of the final 1982 contract and accompanying comments. Ukiah further alleges it was error for the Corps to file the requested information. 25 Ukiah's main brief cites no statutory or regulatory provision violated by the Commission. Indeed, when we examine the Commission's regulations governing ex parte contacts and responses thereto, we find the Commission's activities well within its regulatory bounds. The communications with the Corps are exempt from the prohibitions on ex parte contacts under 18 C.F.R. 385.2201(b)(1) (1983). Since the Corps is a federal agency that has no official interest in this proceeding, it qualifies as an interceder. Id. 21 The prohibitions regarding ex parte contacts are therefore not applicable to communications from the Corps. 26 Additionally, the three communications between Sonoma and the Commission's staff counsel were not unlawful. All the disputed filings were served on Ukiah when they were submitted to the Commission. Brief for Intervenor at 61; J.A. 247A, 286, 328, 366. Ukiah subsequently submitted responses to these filings. J.A. 287-309, 310-12. Thus, the disputed submissions by the Corps and Sonoma were not, in any real sense, ex parte. We respect the staff counsel's communication with Sonoma and its consideration of Ukiah's responses as a lawful inquiry necessary to an informed decision. 22