HAZARDOUS MATERIAL TECHNICAL ASSESSMENT, RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT, AND ANALYSIS PROGRAM.

SEC. 33007. HAZARDOUS MATERIAL TECHNICAL ASSESSMENT, RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT, AND ANALYSIS PROGRAM. (a) In General.—Chapter 51 is amended by inserting after section 5117 the following: “SEC. 5118. Hazardous material technical assessment, research and development, and analysis program “(a) Risk Reduction. “(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— “(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) Coordination. In developing the program under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall— “(A) utilize information gathered from other modal administrations with similar programs; and “(B) coordinate with other modal administrations, as appropriate. “(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.” . (b) Conforming Amendment.—The chapter analysis for chapter 51 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 5117 the following:“5118. Hazardous material technical assessment, research and development, and analysis program.”.