Which government agency is primarily responsible for the regulation of hazardous materials transportation?

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is the primary government agency responsible for regulating hazardous materials transportation. The FMCSA oversees the safe transportation of hazardous materials by establishing and enforcing regulations aligned with the Department of Transportation (DOT) rules, particularly when it comes to the operation of commercial motor vehicles. Their responsibilities include ensuring that carriers handling hazardous materials comply with safety standards, labeling requirements, and documentation procedures.

This agency focuses specifically on highway safety and the transportation of goods via commercial vehicles, which includes various types of hazardous materials. It plays a critical role in minimizing risks associated with the transportation of materials that could pose a threat to public safety and the environment.

Other agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) do have roles related to the environmental aspects of hazardous materials, while the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) focuses on worker safety in environments where hazardous materials are present. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) deals with national security matters, including threats that may involve hazardous materials, but does not primarily regulate their transportation. Therefore, FMCSA is the most directly involved in the regulations that specifically govern how hazardous materials are transported over roads.