12.304—Functions and responsibilities of the Administrative Law Judge.
Once he has been assigned the case, the Administrative Law Judge shall be responsible for the fair and orderly conduct of a formal decisional proceeding and shall have the authority:
(c)
To take such action as is appropriate pursuant to § 12.35 if a party fails to comply with a discovery order, or an order issued pursuant to § 12.34 of these rules;
(e)
In his discretion, to conduct pre-decision conferences, for the purposes prescribed in § 12.303, at any time after a proceeding has commenced pursuant to § 12.26(c) ;
(g)
To certify interlocutory matters to the Commission for its determination in accordance with § 12.309 ;
(i)
To issue default orders for good cause against parties who fail to participate in the proceeding, or to comply with these rules;
(k)
If an oral hearing is ordered, to preside at the oral hearing, which shall include the authority to receive relevant evidence, to administer oaths and affirmations, to examine witnesses, and to rule on offers of proof;