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U.S. Code as of:
01/19/04
Section 717p. Joint boards
(a) Reference of matters to joint boards; composition and power
The Commission may refer any matter arising in the administration
of this chapter to a board to be composed of a member or members,
as determined by the Commission, from the State or each of the
States affected or to be affected by such matter. Any such board
shall be vested with the same power and be subject to the same
duties and liabilities as in the case of a member of the Commission
when designated by the Commission to hold any hearings. The action
of such board shall have such force and effect and its proceedings
shall be conducted in such manner as the Commission shall by
regulations prescribe. The Board shall be appointed by the
Commission from persons nominated by the State commission of each
State affected, or by the Governor of such State if there is no
State commission. Each State affected shall be entitled to the same
number of representatives on the board unless the nominating power
of such State waives such right. The Commission shall have
discretion to reject the nominee from any State, but shall
thereupon invite a new nomination from that State. The members of a
board shall receive such allowances for expenses as the Commission
shall provide. The Commission may, when in its discretion
sufficient reason exists therefor, revoke any reference to such a
board.
(b) Conference with State commissions regarding rate structure,
costs, etc.
The Commission may confer with any State commission regarding
rate structures, costs, accounts, charges, practices,
classifications, and regulations of natural-gas companies; and the
Commission is authorized, under such rules and regulations as it
shall prescribe, to hold joint hearings with any State commission
in connection with any matter with respect to which the Commission
is authorized to act. The Commission is authorized in the
administration of this chapter to avail itself of such cooperation,
services, records, and facilities as may be afforded by any State
commission.
(c) Information and reports available to State commissions
The Commission shall make available to the several State
commissions such information and reports as may be of assistance in
State regulation of natural-gas companies. Whenever the Commission
can do so without prejudice to the efficient and proper conduct of
its affairs, it may, upon request from a State commission, make
available to such State commission as witnesses any of its trained
rate, valuation, or other experts, subject to reimbursement of the
compensation and traveling expenses of such witnesses. All sums
collected hereunder shall be credited to the appropriation from
which the amounts were expended in carrying out the provisions of
this subsection.
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