---
kind: "section"
citation: "15 U.S.C. § 717p"
title: "15"
title_heading: "Commerce and Trade"
number: "717p"
heading: "Joint boards"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/15/717p"
units:
  - "Chapter 15B — Natural Gas"
---

# §717p. Joint boards

- (a) **Reference of matters to joint boards; composition and power—** The Commission may refer any matter arising in the [administration](/usc/15/636e.md?p=1) of this chapter to a board to be composed of a member or members, as determined by the Commission, from the [State](/usc/15/717a.md?p=4) or each of the [States](/usc/15/717a.md?p=4) affected or to be affected by such matter. Any such board shall be vested with the same power and be subject to the same duties and liabilities as in the case of a member of the Commission when designated by the Commission to hold any hearings. The action of such board shall have such force and effect and its proceedings shall be conducted in such manner as the Commission shall by regulations prescribe. The Board shall be appointed by the Commission from [persons](/usc/15/717a.md?p=1) nominated by the [State commission](/usc/15/717a.md?p=8) of each [State](/usc/15/717a.md?p=4) affected, or by the Governor of such [State](/usc/15/717a.md?p=4) if there is no [State commission](/usc/15/717a.md?p=8). Each [State](/usc/15/717a.md?p=4) affected shall be entitled to the same number of representatives on the board unless the nominating power of such [State](/usc/15/717a.md?p=4) waives such right. The Commission shall have discretion to reject the nominee from any [State](/usc/15/717a.md?p=4), but shall thereupon invite a new nomination from that [State](/usc/15/717a.md?p=4). The members of a board shall receive such allowances for expenses as the Commission shall provide. The Commission may, when in its discretion sufficient reason exists therefor, revoke any reference to such a board.
- (b) **Conference with State commissions regarding rate structure, costs, etc.** The Commission may confer with any [State commission](/usc/15/717a.md?p=8) regarding rate structures, costs, accounts, charges, practices, classifications, and regulations of [natural-gas companies](/usc/15/717a.md?p=6); and the Commission is authorized, under such rules and regulations as it shall prescribe, to hold joint hearings with any [State commission](/usc/15/717a.md?p=8) in connection with any matter with respect to which the Commission is authorized to act. The Commission is authorized in the [administration](/usc/15/636e.md?p=1) of this chapter to avail itself of such cooperation, services, records, and facilities as may be afforded by any [State commission](/usc/15/717a.md?p=8).
- (c) **Information and reports available to State commissions—** The Commission shall make available to the several [State commissions](/usc/15/717a.md?p=8) such information and reports as may be of assistance in [State](/usc/15/717a.md?p=4) regulation of [natural-gas companies](/usc/15/717a.md?p=6). Whenever the Commission can do so without prejudice to the efficient and proper conduct of its affairs, it may, upon request from a [State commission](/usc/15/717a.md?p=8), make available to such [State commission](/usc/15/717a.md?p=8) as witnesses any of its trained rate, valuation, or other experts, subject to reimbursement of the compensation and traveling expenses of such witnesses. All sums collected hereunder shall be credited to the appropriation from which the amounts were expended in carrying out the provisions of this subsection.

## Source credit

(June 21, 1938, ch. 556, § 17, 52 Stat. 830.)