What agency regulates pipelines that carry hazardous materials across state borders, navigable waterways, and federal lands?

• A. EPA (Environmental Protection Agency)
• B. OSHA
• C. CPSC
• D. DOT (Department of Transportation)

Answer: (D)

Pipelines that move hazardous materials across state lines and across major features like navigable waterways and federal lands fall under federal transportation safety regulation. This is the role of the Department of Transportation, specifically through the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, which sets and enforces safety standards for the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of pipelines and the safe handling of hazardous materials in transit. The other agencies don’t cover this wide, nationwide pipeline safety remit: EPA handles environmental protection, OSHA focuses on workplace safety, and CPSC oversees consumer product safety. So the department of transportation is the appropriate regulator for these pipelines.