Title 42, The Public Health and WelfareRelease 119-110
§9164 Submarine Electric Transmission Cable and Equipment Safety
Title 42 › CHAPTER 99 — OCEAN THERMAL ENERGY CONVERSION › SUBCHAPTER IV — MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS › § 9164
Summary
The Secretary of Energy must work with other federal agencies to make and enforce rules to keep undersea power transmission cables and their equipment safe. The rules must require the safest, best-available shielding and automatic switches that cut the power if a cable breaks. Within 60 days after August 3, 1980, the Secretary must report to Congress on the funding and staff needed to monitor these cables and ensure they meet the rules.
Full Legal Text
Title 42, §9164
The Public Health and Welfare, Source: USLM XML via OLRC
(a)Standards and regulations
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)Report to Congress on appropriation and staffing needs
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
Sep 22, 2026
Release point: 119-110