---
kind: "section"
citation: "43 C.F.R. § 45.34"
title: "43"
number: "45.34"
heading: "What is the law governing ex parte communications?"
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/43/45.34"
---

# §45.34. What is the law governing ex parte communications?

- (a) Ex parte communications with the ALJ or his or her staff are prohibited in accordance with [5 U.S.C. 554(d)](/usc/5/554.md?p=d).
- (b) This section does not prohibit ex parte inquiries concerning case status or procedural requirements, unless the inquiry involves an area of controversy in the hearing process.

## Notes

### Authority

Authority: 16 U.S.C. 797(e), 811, 823d.

### Source

Source: 80 FR 17194, Mar. 31, 2015, unless otherwise noted.