(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.

Source Note: The provisions of this §1.1 adopted to be effective August 21, 2017, 42 TexReg 4131