Transportation Secretary Norman Y Mineta has sent to Congress proposed legislation that would strengthen security and safety in transportation of the nation's hazardous materials. The legislative proposal was submitted October 10. The Department of Transportation's proposed legislation would:
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Strengthen DOT inspectors' authority to inspect packages in transportation.
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Provide those inspectors with authority to stop seriously unsafe transportation.
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Increase the maximum civil penalty for hazmat violations from $27,500 to $100,000.
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Expand requirements for training persons involved in hazmat transportation.
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Strengthen the enforcement authority of DOT's state enforcement partners.
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Provide the United States Postal Service with civil penalty authority to enforce its regulations on mail shipments of hazardous materials effectively.
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Address the current overlap of hazmat transportation regulations between DOT and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, except in certain areas.
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Specifically allow participation by states in a coordinated program of hazmat carrier registrations and permits.