§ 5118. Hazardous material technical assessment, research and development, and analysis program

• (a)
  • (1) The Secretary of Transportation may develop and implement a hazardous material technical assessment, research and development, and analysis program for the purpose of—
    • (A) reducing the risks associated with the transportation of hazardous material; and
    • (B) identifying and evaluating new technologies to facilitate the safe, secure, and efficient transportation of hazardous material.
  • (2) In developing the program under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall—
    • (A) utilize information gathered from other modal administrations with similar programs;
    • (B) coordinate with other modal administrations, as appropriate; and
    • (C) coordinate, as appropriate, with other Federal agencies.
• (b) 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.
• (c)
  • (1) As part of the program established under subsection (a), the Secretary may carry out cooperative research on hazardous materials transport.
  • (2) The Secretary may enter into an agreement with the National Academies to support research described in paragraph (1).
  • (3) Research conducted under this subsection may include activities relating to—
    • (A) emergency planning and response, including information and programs that can be readily assessed and implemented in local jurisdictions;
    • (B) risk analysis and perception and data assessment;
    • (C) commodity flow data, including voluntary collaboration between shippers and first responders for secure data exchange of critical information;
    • (D) integration of safety and security;
    • (E) cargo packaging and handling;
    • (F) hazmat release consequences; and
    • (G) materials and equipment testing.