Sec. 106. Regulatory reform
402 words·~2 min read·
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The definitions set forth in section 50902 of title 51, United States Code, shall apply to this section. Congress finds that the commercial space launch regulatory environment has at times impeded the United States commercial space launch sector in its innovation of launch technologies, reusable launch and reentry vehicles, and other areas related to commercial launches and reentries. Not later than February 1, 2019, the Secretary of Transportation shall issue a notice of proposed rulemaking to revise any regulations under chapter 509, United States Code, as the Secretary considers necessary to meet the objective of this section.
The objective of this section is to establish, consistent with the purposes described in section 50901(b) of title 51, United States Code, a regulatory regime for commercial space launch activities under chapter 509 that— creates, to the extent practicable, requirements applicable both to expendable launch and reentry vehicles and to reusable launch and reentry vehicles; is neutral with regard to the specific technology utilized in a launch, a reentry, or an associated safety system; protects the health and safety of the public; establishes clear, high-level performance requirements; encourages voluntary, industry technical standards that complement the high-level performance requirements established under subparagraph (D); and facilitates and encourages appropriate collaboration between the commercial space launch and reentry sector and the Department of Transportation with respect to the requirements under subparagraph
(D)and the standards under subparagraph (E). In revising the regulations under subsection (c), the Secretary of Transportation shall consult with the following: Secretary of Defense. Administrator of NASA. Such members of the commercial space launch and reentry sector as the Secretary of Transportation considers appropriate to ensure adequate representation across industry. Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation, in consultation with the persons described in subsection (d), shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report on the progress in carrying out this section. The report shall include— milestones and a schedule to meet the objective of this section; a description of any Federal agency resources necessary to meet the objective of this section; recommendations for legislation that would expedite or improve the outcomes under subsection (c); and a plan for ongoing consultation with the persons described in subsection (d).