TSA Moves to Extend Sensitive Security Information to Rail, Transit Systems
The Transportation Security Administration has taken the long-expected step to extend the use of the Sensitive Security Information designation – and its exemption from FOIA – to the nation’s rail and transit systems in a sweeping new rule that also gathers in those who ship and who receive hazardous materials. The rule would essentially make secret any information deemed security related in any review, audit, or other examination of a rail carrier, facility or system, transit system or facility, or rail hazardous materials shipper. It would also cover infrastructure information. The rule means information on the more than 1.7 million shipments of hazardous materials each year would be sealed from anyone without a “need to know.” TSA will accept comments through Feb. 20. (12/21/06)