| (a) This chapter establishes a system for practice
and procedure before the Railroad Commission of Texas to enable the
just disposition of proceedings and public participation in contested
case proceedings pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act, Texas
Government Code, Chapter 2001.
(b) This chapter governs the institution, conduct,
and determination of Commission proceedings required or permitted
by law, whether instituted by order of the Commission or by filing
an application, complaint, petition, or other pleading. This chapter
does not and shall not be construed to enlarge, diminish, modify,
or otherwise alter the jurisdiction, powers, or authority of the Commission
or the substantive rights of any person or agency.
(c) It is the policy of the Commission to encourage
the fair and prompt resolution of internal and external disputes under
the Commission’s jurisdiction through alternative dispute resolution
(ADR). ADR includes any procedure or combination of procedures described
by Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Chapter 154, such as mediation,
arbitration, and mini-trial.
(d) This chapter sets forth the general rules of practice
and procedure for proceedings before the Commission. If a general
provision of these rules conflicts with a statutory or other special
provision governing the same proceeding, and the conflict is irreconcilable,
then the special provision controls.
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