In recent years, the transport of all types of hazardous materials has received increased publicity. This is particularly true for radioactive material.  As a high-visibility shipper of radioactive material, the U.S. Department of Energy and its transportation activities have come under intense scrutiny from Congress, States, Tribes, local governments, and the public. 

An underlying concern is the adequacy of emergency preparedness along Energy shipping corridors.  The Environmental Management program implements the complex-wide Transportation Emergency Preparedness Program (TEPP) to address preparedness issues for non-classified/non-weapons radioactive material shipments.  As an element of the Energy Comprehensive Emergency Management System, TEPP provides support to Energy and other Federal, State, Tribal, and local authorities to prepare for a response to a transportation incident involving Energy shipments of radioactive material.  TEPP is implemented on a regional basis, with a TEPP Coordinator designated for each of the eight Energy Regional Coordinating Offices.