§846. Additional powers of the Secretary

(a) The Secretary is authorized to inspect the site of any accident, or fire, in which there is reason to believe that explosive materials were involved, in order that if any such incident has been brought about by accidental means, precautions may be taken to prevent similar accidents from occurring. In order to carry out the purpose of this subsection, the Secretary is authorized to enter into or upon any property where explosive materials have been used, are suspected of having been used, or have been found in an otherwise unauthorized location. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed as modifying or otherwise affecting in any way the investigative authority of any other Federal agency. In addition to any other investigatory authority they have with respect to violations of provisions of this chapter, the Attorney General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, together with the Secretary, shall have authority to conduct investigations with respect to violations of subsection (d), (e), (f), (g), (h), or (i) of section 844 of this title.

(b) The Secretary is authorized to establish a national repository of information on incidents involving arson and the suspected criminal misuse of explosives. All Federal agencies having information concerning such incidents shall report the information to the Secretary pursuant to such regulations as deemed necessary to carry out the provisions of this subsection. The repository shall also contain information on incidents voluntarily reported to the Secretary by State and local authorities.

(Added Pub. L. 91–452, title XI, §1102(a), Oct. 15, 1970, 84 Stat. 959 ; amended Pub. L. 104–208, div. A, title I, §101(f) [title VI, §654(a)], Sept. 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 3009–314 , 3009-369.)

Amendments

1996-Pub. L. 104–208 designated existing provisions as subsec. (a) and added subsec. (b).

Transfer of Functions

For transfer of certain enforcement functions of Secretary or other official in Department of Treasury under this chapter to Federal Inspector, Office of Federal Inspector for the Alaska Natural Gas Transportation System, and subsequent transfer to Secretary of Energy, see Transfer of Functions note set out under section 841 of this title.

Authorization of Appropriations

Section 101(f) [title VI, §654(b)] of div. A of Pub. L. 104–208 provided that: "There is authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this subsection [probably means "this section" which amended this section]."

Certification of Explosives Detection Canines

Pub. L. 106–58, title VI, §630, Sept. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 473 , provided that: "The Secretary of the Treasury is authorized to establish scientific certification standards for explosives detection canines, and shall provide, on a reimbursable basis, for the certification of explosives detection canines employed by Federal agencies, or other agencies providing explosives detection services at airports in the United States."

Similar provisions were contained in the following prior appropriation acts:

Pub. L. 105–277, div. A, §101(h) [title VI, §640], Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681–480 , 2681-526.

Pub. L. 105–61, title VI, §627, Oct. 10, 1997, 111 Stat. 1315 .

Pub. L. 104–208, div. A, title I, §101(f) [title VI, §653(a)], Sept. 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 3009–314 , 3009-369.