(a) An account certificate of representation may designate one and only one alternate NO_X authorized account representative who may act on behalf of the NO_X authorized account representative. The agreement by which the alternate NO_X authorized account representative is selected shall include a procedure for authorizing the alternate NO_X authorized account representative to act in lieu of the NO_X authorized account representative.

(b) Upon receipt by the Administrator of a complete account certificate of representation under § 97.13, any representation, action, inaction, or submission by the alternate NO_X authorized account representative shall be deemed to be a representation, action, inaction, or submission by the NO_X authorized account representative.

(c) Except in this section and §§ 97.10(a), 97.12, 97.13, and 97.51, whenever the term “NO_X authorized account representative” is used in this part, the term shall be construed to include the alternate NO_X authorized account representative.