1. (a) Risk Reduction.—

   1. (1) Program authorized.— The Secretary of Transportation may develop and implement a hazardous material technical assessment, research and development, and analysis program for the purpose of—

      1. (A) reducing the risks associated with the transportation of hazardous material; and
      2. (B) identifying and evaluating new technologies to facilitate the safe, secure, and efficient transportation of hazardous material.

   2. (2) Coordination.— In developing the program under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall—

      1. (A) utilize information gathered from other modal administrations with similar programs; and
      2. (B) coordinate with other modal administrations, as appropriate.
2. (b) Cooperation.— In carrying out subsection (a), the Secretary shall work cooperatively with regulated and other entities, including shippers, carriers, emergency responders, State and local officials, and academic institutions.

(Added Pub. L. 112–141, div. C, title III, § 33007(a), July 6, 2012, 126 Stat. 835.)

Prior Provisions A prior section 5118, Pub. L. 103–272, § 1(d), July 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 777; Pub. L. 108–426, § 2(c)(2), Nov. 30, 2004, 118 Stat. 2424, related to employment of additional hazardous material safety inspectors, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 109–59, title VII, § 7115(h), Aug. 10, 2005, 119 Stat. 1901.

Effective Date Section effective Oct. 1, 2012, see section 3(a) of Pub. L. 112–141, set out as an Effective and Termination Dates of 2012 Amendment note under section 101 of Title 23, Highways.