The transportation of hazardous materials (hazmat) underpins the American economy and our way of life. We use oil and natural gas to heat and cool homes and businesses, produce electricity, and provide raw materials for plastics, fibers, paints, and other essential products. We rely on chemicals to clean our water, fuel cars, construct buildings, fertilize crops, create medicines, and manufacture clothing and many other essential commodities. While hazmat plays a critical role in our daily lives, the transportation of hazmat introduces some inherent risks to the public, the environment, and property that must be appropriately managed.
