GENERAL POWERS.

SEC. 208. GENERAL POWERS. (a) In carrying out his functions under this title, the Secretary is authorized to perform such acts including, but not limited to, conducting investigations, making reports, issuing subpenas, requiring production of documents, taking depositions, prescribing recordkeeping and reporting requirements, carrying out and contracting for research, development, testing, evaluation, and framing (particularly with respect to those aspects of railroad safety which he finds to be in need 84 Stat. 975of prompt attention), and delegating to any public bodies or qualified persons, functions respecting examination, inspecting, and testing of railroad facilities, equipment, rolling stock, operations, or persons, as he deems necessary to carry out the provisions of this title. (b) The National Transportation Safety Board shall have the authority to determine the cause or probable cause and report the facts, conditions and circumstances relating to accidents investigated under subsection (a) of this section, but may delegate such authority to any office or official of the Board or to any office or official of the Department of Transportation with the approval of the Secretary, as it may determine appropriate. (c) To carry out the Secretary’s and the Board’s responsibilities under this title, officers, employees, or agents of the Secretary or the Beard, as the case may be, are authorized to enter upon, inspect, and examine rail facilities, equipment, rolling stock, operations, and pertinent records at reasonable times and in a reasonable manner. Such officers, employees, or agents shall display proper credentials when requested. (d) All orders, rules, regulations, standards, and requirements in force, or prescribed or issued by the Secretary under this title, or by any State agency which is participating in investigative and surveillance activities pursuant to section 206 of this title, shall have the same force and effect as a statute for purposes of the application of sections 3 and 4 of the Act of April 22, 1908 (45 U.S.C. 53 and 54), relating to the liability of common carriers by railroad for injuries to their employees.