(a) A person who instead of intervening desires merely to express support or opposition in a contested case proceeding pending before the Commission may file with SOAH a request for nonparty participant status which includes a written statement regarding the person's position on the matter. The request must be filed not later than the date set by the administrative law judge (ALJ). At the time of filing, the person shall serve a copy of the statement on each party of record and file proof of service with SOAH.(b) The ALJ may authorize a late filing under this section on a motion showing extenuating circumstances.(c) A nonparty participant's statement may be stricken from the record if the ALJ determines that it does not substantially comply with this section.