Thomas E. Petri: “Madam Speaker, the amendment in the nature of a substitute directs the Secretary of Transportation to issue, under an…”

“Madam Speaker, the amendment in the nature of a substitute directs the Secretary of Transportation to issue, under an ongoing rulemaking proceeding, a rule relating to materials of trade exceptions to hazardous materials regulations. This provision was adopted by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure on September 12, 1996. The amendment also provides that any rule extending Federal hazardous materials regulation to intrastate transportation relating to farm vehicles which does not allow for State exceptions, cannot take effect prior to the reauthorization of the Hazardous Materials Program or 180 days after the effective date of the final rule, whichever is earlier. On March 20, 1996, the Department of Transportation proposed that businesses which carry small amounts of hazardous materials in the course of their business meet reduced regulatory requirements. This proposal is part of a larger rulemaking, known as HM-200, concerning Federal regulation of intrastate transportation--but the materials of trade exception would apply to both intrastate and interstate transportation. DOT has stated its intention to issue a final rule on HM-200 by the end of this year. However, should that be delayed because other aspects of HM-200 may be controversial, then DOT must at least complete this portion of the rulemaking which can provide sensible relief to small businesses now regulated.”