[Code of Federal Regulations] [Title 49, Volume 4] [Revised as of October 1, 2004] From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access [CITE: 49CFR211.25] [Page 68] TITLE 49--TRANSPORTATION CHAPTER II--FEDERAL RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION PART 211_RULES OF PRACTICE--Table of Contents Subpart B_Rulemaking Procedures Sec. 211.25 Hearings. (a) A hearing will be held if required by statute or the Administrator finds it necessary or desirable. (b) Except for statutory hearings required to be on the record-- (1) Hearings are fact-finding proceedings, and there are no formal pleadings or adverse parties; (2) Any rule issued in a proceeding in which a hearing is held is not based exclusively on the record of the hearing; and (3) Hearings are conducted in accordance with section 553 of title 5, U.S.C.; section 556 and 557 of title 5 do not apply to hearings held under this part. (c) The Administrator conducts or designates a representative to conduct any hearing held under this part. The Chief Counsel serves or designates a member of his staff to serve as legal officer at the hearing.