REDUCING RISKS FROM HAZARDOUS MATERIALS RELEASES
Federal Role

The Federal role in reducing public risk from exposure to hazardous materials includes technical guidance, legislated standards and procedures, and providing States with access to data about chemical releases and training. FEMA has the lead role for coordinating civil emergency response planning and disaster response. FEMA’s hazardous materials program is largely one of providing guidance, technical assistance, information, and training. For Title III reporting and enforcement activities, EPA is the key Federal agency: it maintains the national toxic chemical inventory, publishes regulations concerning hazardous materials, reports on the status of various emergency systems, conducts training, and assists with hazardous materials site identification and investigation.