CFR > Title 43 - Public Lands: Interior > SUBTITLE A—Office of the Secretary of the Interior > PART 45—CONDITIONS AND PRESCRIPTIONS IN FERC HYDROPOWER LICENSES > SUBPART B—Hearing Process (§45.10 to §45.60) > 45.33—Under what circumstances may the ALJ be disqualified?

45.33—Under what circumstances may the ALJ be disqualified?

(a) The ALJ may withdraw from a case at any time the ALJ deems himself or herself disqualified.
(b) At any time before issuance of the ALJ's decision, any party may move that the ALJ disqualify himself or herself for personal bias or other valid cause.
(1) The party must file the motion promptly after discovering facts or other reasons allegedly constituting cause for disqualification.
(2) The party must file with the motion an affidavit or declaration setting forth the facts or other reasons in detail.
(c) The ALJ must rule upon the motion, stating the grounds for the ruling.
(1) If the ALJ concludes that the motion is timely and meritorious, he or she must disqualify himself or herself and withdraw from the case.
(2) If the ALJ does not disqualify himself or herself and withdraw from the case, the ALJ must continue with the hearing process and issue a decision.