Transportation Security Administration December 21, 2006 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

This proposal would enhance the security of our Nation's rail transportation system. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) proposes security requirements for freight railroad carriers; intercity, commuter, and short-haul passenger train service providers; rail transit systems; and rail operations at certain, fixed-site facilities that ship or receive specified hazardous materials by rail. This rule proposes to codify the scope of TSA's existing inspection program and to require regulated parties to allow TSA and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials to enter, inspect, and test property, facilities, and records relevant to rail security. This rule also proposes that regulated parties designate rail security coordinators and report significant security concerns to DHS. TSA further proposes that freight rail carriers and certain facilities handling hazardous materials be equipped to report location and shipping information to TSA upon request and to implement chain of custody requirements to ensure a positive and secure exchange of specified hazardous materials. TSA also proposes to clarify and extend the sensitive security information (SSI) protections to cover certain information associated with rail transportation. This proposal would allow TSA to enhance rail security by coordinating its activities with other Federal agencies, which would also avoid duplicative inspections and minimize the compliance burden on the regulated parties. This proposed rule is intended to augment existing rail transportation laws and regulations that the Department of Transportation (DOT) administers. In today's edition of the Federal Register, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) is publishing an NPRM proposing to revise the current requirements in the Hazardous Materials Regulations applicable to the safe and secure transportation of hazardous materials transported in commerce by rail.