Which government agency regulates the transportation of hazardous materials in the U.S.?

The Department of Transportation (DOT) is the agency responsible for regulating the transportation of hazardous materials in the United States. This responsibility includes setting safety standards, enforcing regulations regarding the packaging, labeling, and handling of hazardous materials, and ensuring compliance to protect public safety and the environment during the transportation process. The DOT oversees the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), which specifically deals with hazardous materials transportation regulations.

While the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) focuses on environmental protection and may regulate hazardous materials in terms of spills and waste management, it does not govern their transportation. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) primarily deals with workplace safety and health regulations, including those related to hazardous substances at work sites, but does not handle transportation rules. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) oversees aviation safety and regulations but is limited to air transportation, therefore not broadly regulating hazardous materials across all transport modes.