§44.33. Departmental review. — Inbound Citations

(a) Within 60 days after the time allowed for the filing of proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law, the administrative law judge shall make and serve upon each party a decision, which shall become final upon the 30th day after service thereof, unless an appeal is filed as provided in § 44.33 of this part. After consultation with the parties, the administrative law judge may expedite or extend the time for issuing the decision. The decision of the administrative law judge shall include:

(1) A statement of findings of fact and conclusions of law, with reasons therefor, upon each material issue of fact, law, or discretion presented on the record; and

Appeals from a decision rendered pursuant to § 44.32 of this part shall be decided by the Assistant Secretary within 120 days after the time for filing responding statements under § 44.33 of this part. The Assistant Secretary's decision shall be based upon consideration of the entire record of the proceedings transmitted, together with the statements submitted by the parties. The decision may affirm, modify, or set aside, in whole or part, the findings, conclusions, and rule or order contained in the decision of the presiding administrative law judge and shall include a statement of reasons for the action taken. The Assistant Secretary may also remand the petition to the administrative law judge for additional legal or factual determinations. Any party may request that the time for the Assistant Secretary's decision be expedited. Such requests shall be granted in the discretion of the Assistant Secretary.

(b) Except as may be provided in § 44.16 for relief to give effect to a proposed decision and order, a decision of an Administrator or an administrative law judge granting or denying a petition for modification shall not be effective until time for appeal has expired under § 44.14 or § 44.33, as appropriate.