3001.20b—Informal expression of views by persons not parties or limited participators (commenters).
Notwithstanding the provisions of §§ 3001.19a and 3001.20, any person may file with the Commission, in any case that is noticed for a hearing pursuant to § 3001.17, an informal statement of views in writing, in accordance with the following provisions:
(a) Form of statement.
A statement filed pursuant to this section may be submitted as a hardcopy letter mailed to the Secretary or an electronic message entered on the form provided for this purpose under the “Contact Us” link on the Commission's Web site, http://www.prc.gov.
(b) Contents of statement.
A statement filed pursuant to this section shall set forth the name and full mailing address of the person by whom or on whose behalf it is filed, a concise statement of the issue or issues to which the comments contained therein apply, and a clear statement of any views, opinions, or suggestions which the person filing the statement wishes to lay before the Commission.
(c) Disposition by the Commission or presiding officer.
Statements filed pursuant to this section shall be made a part of the Commission's files in the proceeding. The Secretary shall maintain a file of such statements which shall be segregated from the evidentiary record in the proceeding, and shall be open to public inspection during the Commission's office hours. A statement or exhibit thereto filed pursuant to this section shall not be accepted in the “record,” as defined by § 3001.5(k) except to the extent that it is (1) otherwise formally introduced in evidence, or (2) a proper subject of official notice, pursuant to § 3001.31(j).
(d) Ex parte communications—exception.
A statement filed pursuant to this section shall not be considered an ex parte communication within the meaning of § 3001.7.