What is the process for pursuing settlement in an appeal to the Commission?

(a) General. At any time after the commencement of a proceeding, but before the date scheduled for the Commission to issue a final decision under § 585.7, the parties may jointly move to stay the proceeding for a reasonable time to permit negotiation of a settlement or an agreement disposing of the whole or any part of the proceeding. (b) Content. Any agreement disposing of the whole or any part of a proceeding shall also provide: (1) A waiver of any further proceedings before the Commission regarding the specific matter(s) settled under the agreement; and (2) That the agreement shall constitute dismissal of the appeal of the specific matter(s) settled, a final order of the Commission, and final agency action. (c) Submission. Before the expiration of the time granted for negotiations, the parties or their authorized representatives may: (1) Notify the Commission that the parties have reached a full or partial settlement and have agreed to dismissal of all or part of the action, subject to compliance with the terms of the settlement agreement; or (2) Inform the Commission that an agreement cannot be reached. (d) Disposition. If the parties enter into a full or partial settlement agreement, it shall constitute: full or partial dismissal of the appeal, as applicable; a final order of the Commission; and final agency action. [87 FR 76929, Dec. 16, 2022]