Which federal agency is primarily responsible for enforcing regulations related to hazardous materials?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is primarily responsible for enforcing regulations related to hazardous materials, particularly in regards to environmental protection. The EPA plays a vital role in managing and enforcing laws related to hazardous waste under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), also known as Superfund. These regulations are essential for safeguarding public health and the environment from the potential dangers posed by hazardous substances.

While the other agencies listed have roles that intersect with hazardous materials, their focus areas differ. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) primarily addresses worker safety and health, ensuring safe working conditions, which includes some hazardous materials exposure in the workplace, but does not encompass all aspects of hazardous materials regulation. The Department of Transportation (DOT) is responsible for the safe transport of hazardous materials but does not regulate their management and disposal in a broader environmental context. The Chemical Safety Board (CSB) investigates chemical accidents but does not enforce regulations.

The EPA's comprehensive authority and focus on both the regulation and enforcement of hazardous material laws make it the primary federal agency in this context.