((a)) ** .—** Any interested person may file a petition with the Secretary of Transportation requesting the Secretary to begin a proceeding—

((1)) to prescribe a motor vehicle safety standard under this chapter; or

((2)) to decide whether to issue an order under .

((b)) ** .—** A petition under this section must state facts that the person claims establish that a motor vehicle safety standard or order referred to in subsection (a) of this section is necessary and briefly describe the order the Secretary should issue.

((c)) ** .—** The Secretary may hold a public hearing or conduct an investigation or proceeding to decide whether to grant a petition under this section.

((d))

((1)) ** .—** The Secretary shall determine whether to approve or deny a petition under this section by not later than 120 days after the petition is filed.

((2)) ** .—** If a petition under this section is approved, the Secretary shall begin the proceeding promptly.

((3)) ** .—** If a petition under this section is denied, the Secretary shall publish the reasons for the denial in the Federal Register.