Congress Mulls Hazmat Bills

Inspectors for the Department of Transportation would have greater authority to search and seize hazardous materials during shipment under legislation introduced in the House and Senate on behalf of the Bush administration.

This was among eight requests Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta submitted to Congress after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11 to strengthen the department’s authority over all hazmat traffic in the United States.

A maximum $100,000 fine for hazardous material violations, up from $27,500, and expanded training for drivers who handle these materials are among the other provisions included in the proposed Hazardous Material Transportation Safety Reauthorization Act of 2001.

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