Appointment of administrative law judge; powers and duties.

(1) Within 7 days after receipt of an application, the department shall request the Division of Administrative Hearings to designate an administrative law judge to conduct the hearings required by this act. The division director shall designate an administrative law judge within 7 days after receipt of the request from the department. In designating an administrative law judge for this purpose, the division director shall, whenever practicable, assign an administrative law judge who has had prior experience or training in electrical power plant certification proceedings. Upon being advised that an administrative law judge has been appointed, the department shall immediately file a copy of the application and all supporting documents with the designated administrative law judge, who shall docket the application.

(2) The administrative law judge shall have all powers and duties granted to administrative law judges by chapter 120 and by the laws and rules of the department.