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

The Department of Transportation (DOT) is primarily responsible for the transportation of hazardous materials. This agency sets regulations and standards that ensure the safe transportation of hazardous substances by road, rail, air, and waterways. The DOT's Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) specifically deals with the safety regulations and guidelines for hazardous materials transportation.

An understanding of this designation is crucial because it ensures that all aspects of transporting hazardous materials, including packaging, labeling, and communication of risks, are adhered to. This oversight is essential for protecting public safety and the environment from the potential dangers posed by hazardous materials during transport.

In contrast, other agencies, while important in their own contexts, do not have the primary role in the transportation of hazardous materials. The Environmental Protection Agency focuses on environmental protection and regulating pollutants, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration deals with workplace safety standards, and the Federal Aviation Administration oversees aviation safety, rather than the specific transportation of hazardous materials.