Other Fields
Agency Scheme: 
EPAOPANE0010
ADJUDICATION STRUCTURE
Hearing Level: Basic Structure
Name of Hearing Office (local name): 
Office of Administrative Law Judges
Name of Hearing Office (global name): 
Environmental Protection Agency: Office of Administrative Law Judges
Hearing Officer #1 (Title): 
Administrative Law Judge
Are administrative appeals permitted from final decisions at the hearing-level stage?: 
Yes (All Types of Cases)
Comments/Notes on Adjudication Structure: 

An EPA Panel sits in on the hearing and may participate in cross-examination for certain case types.

"In general, the membership of the panel shall consist of EPA employees having special expertise in areas related to the issues to be addressed at the hearing, including economists and engineers. For this reason, the membership of the panel may change as different issues are presented for discussion." See 40 CFR 57.807.

PROCESS & PROCEDURE - General Information
Are private parties permitted to have representation at hearings?: 
Yes (Some Types of Cases)
Who may serve as a private party representative?: 
Either
Is the agency permitted to have representation at hearings?: 
Yes (Some Types of Cases)
Regulations/rules of practice for hearings (please include CFR citations): 
40 CFR 57, Subpart H; 40 CFR Part 179
PROCESS & PROCEDURE - Pre-Hearing Procedure
Is discovery permitted by either party at the hearing-level stage?: 
No
Briefly describe the scope and type(s) of discovery available (e.g., depositions, interrogatories, etc.): 
The discovery for pesticide cases is primarily documentary data and information which the Office of Prevention, Pesticides, and Toxic Substances plans to submit to show that the pesticides in question are not proper. Additionally the parties must file: "(1) Any objections that the administrative record filed under paragraph (a)(l) of this section is incomplete. (2) All documents (other than those filed under paragraph (a) of this section) in the party's files containing factual information or expert opinion, whether favorable or unfavorable to the party's position, that relates to the issues involved in the hearing. For purposes of this paragraph, “files” means the party's principal files in which documents relating to each of the issues in the hearing are ordinarily kept. Documents that are attorney work product, or were prepared specifically for use in connection with the hearing, are not required to be submitted. (3) All other documentary data and information the party plans to rely upon in the hearing. (4) A narrative position statement on the factual issues in the Notice of Hearing and the nature of the supporting evidence the party intends to introduce. (5) A signed statement that, to the best knowledge and belief of the party, the submission complies with this section." See 40 CFR 179.83(b).
Does the hearing officer have subpoena authority?: 
No
Are ex parte contacts prohibited?: 
Yes (All Types of Cases)
Are parties provided notice of hearing?: 
Yes (All Types of Cases)
PROCESS & PROCEDURE - Hearing Procedure
What types of hearings are permitted at the hearing-level stage?: 
In-Person
How is the type of hearing selected: 
Required by Rule
How many hearing officers preside at each hearing?: 
One
Is witness testimony permitted at hearings?: 
Yes
Can parties cross-examine witnesses?: 
Varies by Case
If "Varies by Case," please describe: 
In EPA Panel cases, the cross examination is at the discretion of the hearing officer. In pesticide cases it is always allowed.
Can third-parties submit amicus briefs and/or evidence?: 
No
Are hearings recorded and/or transcribed?: 
Yes
PROCESS & PROCEDURE - Post-Hearing Procedure
Who typically drafts the decision at the hearing-level stage?: 
Adjudication Officer
Who has authority to issue final decisions?: 
Adjudication Officer
Do agency regulations or guidance provide time limits for issuance of final decisions?: 
No
Is judicial review available after issuance of a final decision?: 
No
PROCESS & PROCEDURE - Case Management
Does the agency permit web-based electronic filing of hearing-related briefs or other documents?: 
Yes
Are final decisions published and/or posted on the agency website?: 
No
Do agency regulations/rules of practice specify the contents of the administrative record at the hearing-level stage?: 
Yes (Some Types of Cases)
If "Yes," please provide citation(s): 
40 CFR 57.814(d) for EPA Panel cases.
Do agency regulations/rules of practice provide for closure of the record at the hearing-level stage (subject to applicable exce: 
No
PROCESS & PROCEDURE - Comments
Comments/Notes on Hearing-Level Process & Procedures (Optional): 
The hearing stage of this scheme is peculiar for certain cases because it allows for an independent panel of EPA employees and experts to participate in the proceedings by questioning participants and witnesses. They can also advise the HO as to a recommended decision, but the HO retains all actual decision-making authority. "a) Composition of hearing panel. The Presiding Officer shall preside at the hearing held under this subpart. An EPA panel shall also take part in the hearing. In general, the membership of the panel shall consist of EPA employees having special expertise in areas related to the issues to be addressed at the hearing, including economists and engineers. For this reason, the membership of the panel may change as different issues are presented for discussion. (c) Questioning of hearing participants. The panel members may question any person participating in the hearing. Cross-examination by persons other than panel members shall not be permitted at this stage of the proceeding except where the Presiding Officer determines, after consultation with the panel, that circumstances compel such cross-examination. However, persons in the hearing audience, including other hearing participants, may submit written questions to the Presiding Officer for the Presiding Officer to ask the participants, and the Presiding Officer may, after consultation with the panel, and in his sole discretion, ask these questions." See 40 CFR 57.807.
ADR: General Information
Is ADR available at one or more points during the hearing process?: 
No
Verified by Agency: 
Not verified