6 USC 1162 - Railroad carrier assessments and plans

U.S Code last checked for updates: May 03, 2024

§ 1162.

Railroad carrier assessments and plans

(a)

In general

Not later than 12 months after August 3, 2007, the Secretary shall issue regulations that—

(1)

require each railroad carrier assigned to a high-risk tier under this section to—

(A)

conduct a vulnerability assessment in accordance with subsections (c) and (d); and

(B)

to 1

 So in original. The word “to” probably should not appear.

prepare, submit to the Secretary for approval, and implement a security plan in accordance with this section that addresses security performance requirements; and

(2)

establish standards and guidelines, based on and consistent with the risk assessment and National Strategy for Railroad Transportation Security developed under section 1161 of this title, for developing and implementing the vulnerability assessments and security plans for railroad carriers assigned to high-risk tiers.

(b)

Non high-risk programs

The Secretary may establish a security program for railroad carriers not assigned to a high-risk tier, including—

(1)

guidance for such carriers in conducting vulnerability assessments and preparing and implementing security plans, as determined appropriate by the Secretary; and

(2)

a process to review and approve such assessments and plans, as appropriate.

(c)

Deadline for submission

(d)

Vulnerability assessments

(1)

Requirements

The Secretary shall provide technical assistance and guidance to railroad carriers in conducting vulnerability assessments under this section and shall require that each vulnerability assessment of a railroad carrier assigned to a high-risk tier under this section, include, as applicable—

(A)

identification and evaluation of critical railroad carrier assets and infrastructure, including platforms, stations, intermodal terminals, tunnels, bridges, switching and storage areas, and information systems as appropriate;

(B)

identification of the vulnerabilities to those assets and infrastructure;

(C)

identification of strengths and weaknesses in—

(i)

physical security;

(ii)

passenger and cargo security, including the security of security-sensitive materials being transported by railroad or stored on railroad property;

(iii)

programmable electronic devices, computers, or other automated systems which are used in providing the transportation;

(iv)

alarms, cameras, and other protection systems;

(v)

communications systems and utilities needed for railroad security purposes, including dispatching and notification systems;

(vi)

emergency response planning;

(vii)

employee training; and

(viii)

such other matters as the Secretary determines appropriate; and

(D)

identification of redundant and backup systems required to ensure the continued operation of critical elements of a railroad carrier’s system in the event of an attack or other incident, including disruption of commercial electric power or communications network.

(2)

Threat information

(e)

Security plans

(1)

Requirements

The Secretary shall provide technical assistance and guidance to railroad carriers in preparing and implementing security plans under this section, and shall require that each security plan of a railroad carrier assigned to a high-risk tier under this section include, as applicable—

(A)

identification of a security coordinator having authority—

(i)

to implement security actions under the plan;

(ii)

to coordinate security improvements; and

(iii)

to receive immediate communications from appropriate Federal officials regarding railroad security;

(B)

a list of needed capital and operational improvements;

(C)

procedures to be implemented or used by the railroad carrier in response to a terrorist attack, including evacuation and passenger communication plans that include individuals with disabilities as appropriate;

(D)

identification of steps taken with State and local law enforcement agencies, emergency responders, and Federal officials to coordinate security measures and plans for response to a terrorist attack;

(E)

a strategy and timeline for conducting training under section 1167 of this title;

(F)

enhanced security measures to be taken by the railroad carrier when the Secretary declares a period of heightened security risk;

(G)

plans for providing redundant and backup systems required to ensure the continued operation of critical elements of the railroad carrier’s system in the event of a terrorist attack or other incident;

(H)

a strategy for implementing enhanced security for shipments of security-sensitive materials, including plans for quickly locating and securing such shipments in the event of a terrorist attack or security incident; and

(I)

such other actions or procedures as the Secretary determines are appropriate to address the security of railroad carriers.

(2)

Security coordinator requirements

(3)

Consistency with other plans

(f)

Deadline for review process

Not later than 6 months after receiving the assessments and plans required under this section, the Secretary shall—

(1)

review each vulnerability assessment and security plan submitted to the Secretary in accordance with subsection (c);

(2)

require amendments to any security plan that does not meet the requirements of this section; and

(3)

approve any vulnerability assessment or security plan that meets the requirements of this section.

(g)

Interim security measures

(h)

Tier assignment

Utilizing the risk assessment and National Strategy for Railroad Transportation Security required under section 1161 of this title, the Secretary shall assign each railroad carrier to a risk-based tier established by the Secretary:

(1)

Provision of information

(2)

Notification

(3)

High-risk tiers

(4)

Reassignment

(i)

Nondisclosure of information

(1)

Submission of information to Congress

(2)

Disclosure of independently furnished information

(j)

Existing procedures, protocols and standards

(1)

Determination

(2)

Election

(3)

Partial approval

(4)

Notification

(5)

Review

Nothing in this subsection shall relieve the Secretary of the obligation—

(A)

to review the vulnerability assessment and security plan submitted by a railroad carrier under this section; and

(B)

to approve or disapprove each submission on an individual basis.

(k)

Periodic evaluation by railroad carriers required

(1)

Submission of evaluation

(2)

Review of evaluation

(l)

Shared facilities

(m)

Consultation

(Pub. L. 110–53, title XV, § 1512, Aug. 3, 2007, 121 Stat. 429.)

cite as: 6 USC 1162