49 U.S.C. § 506 — Authority to investigate

(a) The Secretary of Transportation can begin an investigation under this chapter on the initiative of the Secretary or on complaint. If the Secretary finds that a rail carrier, motor carrier, motor carrier of migrant workers, or motor private carrier is violating this chapter, the Secretary must take appropriate action to compel compliance with this chapter. The Secretary can take action only after giving the carrier notice of the investigation and an opportunity for a proceeding. (b) A person, including a governmental authority, can file with the Secretary a complaint about a violation of this chapter by a carrier referred to in subsection (a) of this section. The complaint must state the facts that are the subject of the violation. The Secretary can dismiss a complaint the Secretary determines does not state reasonable grounds for investigation and action. However, the Secretary can not dismiss a complaint made against a rail carrier because of the absence of direct damage to the complainant. (c) The Secretary must make a written report of each proceeding involving a rail carrier or motor carrier conducted and furnish a copy to each party to that proceeding. The report must include the findings, conclusions, and the order of the Secretary. The Secretary can have the reports published for public use. A published report of the Secretary is competent evidence of its contents.