After the announcement of, or notice of intention to contest any petition or application for relief submitted to this Board, there shall be no ex parte contacts relating to the facts or merits of the petition between (a) any person acting on behalf of the petitioner or applicant for the relief desired or any person opposed to the application or petition and (b) any person with the State Oil and Gas Board of Mississippi who exercises any responsibility in relation to whether the application or petition is granted or denied.
26 Miss. Code. R. 1-1.8