Date: FEB 12 1997
Case Nos: 95-CAA-20, 21 and 22

In the Matters of:

VIRGINIA JOHNSON,
    Complainant [95-CAA-20]
    and
KENNETH W. WARDEN,
    Complainant [95-CAA-21]
    and
DENNIS MCQUADE,
    Complainant [95-CAA-22]

    v.

OAK RIDGE OPERATIONS OFFICE;
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY;
DOE INSPECTOR GENERAL;
PATRICIA HOWSE-SMITH,
    Respondents.

    On January 27, 1997, Complainant filed a motion requesting, inter alia, that the Chief Administrative Law Judge conduct a hearing on Complainant's motion for recusal of the presiding administrative law judge. Complainant requested reassignment of the case to another administrative law judge from another DOL office. The Chief Administrative Law Judge has no authority to hear motions for recusal of another administrative law judge initially or as a matter of appeal. Accordingly, Complainant's motion is denied.

    SO ORDERED

       JOHN M. VITTONE
       Chief Administrative Law Judge

JMV/trs