(a) A hearing will be held if required by statute or the Administrator finds it necessary or desirable.
(b) Except for statutory hearings required to be on the record--
(1) Hearings are fact-finding proceedings, and there are no formal pleadings or adverse parties;
(2) Any rule issued in a proceeding in which a hearing is held is not based exclusively on the record of the hearing; and
(3) Hearings are conducted in accordance with section 553 of title 5, U.S.C.; section 556 and 557 of title 5 do not apply to hearings held under this part.
(c) The Administrator conducts or designates a representative to conduct any hearing held under this part. The Chief Counsel serves or designates a member of his staff to serve as legal officer at the hearing.