Title 42 — The Public Health and WelfareRelease 119-73

§9164 Submarine electric transmission cable and equipment safety

Title 42 › Chapter CHAPTER 99— - OCEAN THERMAL ENERGY CONVERSION › Subchapter SUBCHAPTER IV— - MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS › § 9164

Last updated Apr 6, 2026|Official source

Summary

The Secretary of Energy must work with other federal agencies to create and enforce safety rules for submarine electric transmission cables and related equipment under U.S. control. The rules must require the safest, best available shielding technology and automatic switches that cut power if a cable breaks. Within 60 days after August 3, 1980, the Secretary of Energy, again working with other federal agencies, must report to Congress on the funding and staff needed to monitor these cables so they meet the safety rules.

Full Legal Text

Title 42, §9164

The Public Health and Welfare — Source: USLM XML via OLRC

(a)The Secretary of Energy, in cooperation with other interested Federal agencies and departments, shall establish and enforce such standards and regulations as may be necessary to assure the safe construction and operation of submarine electric transmission cables and equipment subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. Such standards and regulations shall include, but not be limited to, requirements for the use of the safest and best available technology for submarine electric transmission cable shielding, and for the use of automatic switches to shut off electric current in the event of a break in such a cable.

(b)The Secretary of Energy, in cooperation with other interested Federal agencies and departments, is authorized and directed to report to the Congress within 60 days after August 3, 1980, on appropriations and staffing needed to monitor submarine electric transmission cables and equipment subject to the jurisdiction of the United States so as to assure that they meet all applicable standards for construction, operation, and maintenance.

Reference

Citations & Metadata

Citation

42 U.S.C. § 9164

Title 42 — The Public Health and Welfare

Last Updated

Apr 6, 2026

Release point: 119-73