(a) The Commission will establish a docket for each notice of Type 1-A, Type 1-B, or Type 1-C rate adjustment filing, promptly publish notice of the filing in the Federal Register, and post the filing on its website. The notice shall include:

(1) The general nature of the proceeding;

(2) A reference to legal authority under which the proceeding is to be conducted;

(3) A concise description of the planned changes in rates, fees, and the Mail Classification Schedule;

(4) The identification of an officer of the Commission to represent the interests of the general public in the docket;

(5) A period of 20 days from the date of the filing for public comment; and

(6) Such other information as the Commission deems appropriate.

(b) Public comments should focus primarily on whether planned rate adjustments comply with the following mandatory requirements of 39 U.S.C. chapter 36, subchapter I:

(1) Whether the planned rate adjustments measured using the formula established in §3030.523(c) are at or below the annual limitation calculated under §3030.521 or §3030.522, as applicable; and

(2) Whether the planned rate adjustments measured using the formula established in §3030.523(c) are at or below the limitation established in §3030.529.

(c) Public comments may also address other relevant statutory provisions and applicable Commission orders and directives.

(d) Within 14 days of the conclusion of the public comment period the Commission will determine, at a minimum, whether the planned rate adjustments are consistent with the annual limitation calculated under §3030.521 or §3030.522, as applicable, the limitation set forth in §3030.529, and 39 U.S.C. 3626, 3627, and 3629 and issue an order announcing its findings.

(e) If the planned rate adjustments are found consistent with applicable law by the Commission, they may take effect pursuant to appropriate action by the Governors.

(f) If planned rate adjustments are found inconsistent with applicable law by the Commission, the Postal Service will submit an amended notice of rate adjustment that describes the modifications to its planned rate adjustments that will bring its rate adjustments into compliance. An amended notice of rate adjustment shall be accompanied by sufficient explanatory information to show that all deficiencies identified by the Commission have been corrected.

(g) The Commission will post any amended notice of rate adjustment filing on its website and allow a period of 7 days from the date of the filing for public comment. Comments in the amended notice of rate adjustment should address the subjects identified in paragraph (b) of this section and may address the subjects identified in paragraph (c) of this section.

(h) The Commission will review any amended notice of rate adjustment together with any comments filed for compliance and within 14 days issue an order announcing its findings.

(i) If the planned rate adjustments as amended are found to be consistent with applicable law, they may take effect pursuant to appropriate action by the Governors. However, no rate shall take effect until 45 days after the Postal Service files a notice of rate adjustment specifying that rate.

(j) If the planned rate adjustments in an amended notice of rate adjustment are found to be inconsistent with applicable law, the Commission shall explain the basis of its determination and suggest an appropriate remedy.

(k) A Commission finding that a planned Type 1-A, Type 1-B, or Type 1-C rate adjustment is in compliance with the annual limitation calculated under §3030.521 or §3030.522, as applicable; the limitation set forth in §3030.529; and 39 U.S.C. 3626, 3627, and 3629 is decided on the merits. A Commission finding that a planned Type 1-A, Type 1-B, or Type 1-C rate adjustment does not contravene other policies of 39 U.S.C. chapter 36, subchapter I is provisional and subject to subsequent review.

[78 FR 52704, Aug. 26, 2013, as amended by Order 1786, 78 FR 67952, Nov. 13, 2013; 79 FR 33832, June 12, 2014. Redesignated and amended at 85 FR 9615, 9657, 9660, Feb. 19, 2020]