(a) The Commission or the assigned committee may hold one or more hearings to consider any statements of the parties on the final report and on the proposed decision, and the comments and recommendations of interested agencies and members of the public. Such statements may contain recommendations for amendments to the final report and proposed decision.

(b) The chair or the presiding member may require that all statements by parties and other persons be filed in writing in advance of the hearings. No new or additional evidence shall be considered at the hearings under this section unless the commission or the assigned committee adopts a motion to reopen the evidentiary record. In such case, the commission or the assigned committee shall afford such notice to the parties as appears fair and reasonable under the circumstances, but in no event shall such notice be given less than ten days prior to the hearings.

(c) Any member may propose an alternative decision, including supporting findings and conclusions. Such proposed decision may also be considered at the hearings under this section but need not be acted upon until the commission makes its decision on the notice. The commission or the assigned committee shall provide any party with a reasonable opportunity in the hearings or prior to adoption of the final decision to comment on any proposed decision.

(d) The commission shall adopt, reject, or amend and adopt, any proposed decision considered in the hearing on the final report.

(e) The decision shall be based exclusively on the evidentiary record of the proceedings on the notice. The decision shall conform to the requirements of Sections 25516, 25516.1, 25516.5 and 25516.6 of the Public Resources Code.