§1504.  Powers of the secretary

A.  The secretary of the department may adopt and promulgate any rules and regulations necessary to carry out the provisions of this Chapter.  The secretary shall adopt and promulgate all such rules and regulations in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act, Chapter 13 of Title 49 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950.  Oversight review shall be conducted by the Joint Legislative Committee on Transportation, Highways, and Public Works.  All rules and regulations adopted by the secretary shall be compatible with this Chapter and the regulations of the United States Department of Transportation contained in Title 49 and Title 46 of the Code of Federal Regulations relative to the transportation of hazardous materials, freight, or passengers.

B.  The secretary may conduct investigations; make reports; issue subpoenas; conduct hearings; require the production of relevant documents, records, and property; take depositions; and conduct, directly or indirectly, research, development, demonstration, or training activities.

C.  The secretary shall provide for the periodic inspection of rail cars transporting hazardous material prior to the departure of those rail cars from a railroad switching yard located outside of the property boundaries of chemical manufacturing or processing plants.

Added by Acts 1979, No. 83, §1.  Amended by Acts 1980, No. 603, §1, eff. July 23, 1980; Acts 1987, No. 845, §1; Acts 1997, No. 529, §1.