Mission:

To enhance regulatory compliance, enforcement uniformity, and emergency preparedness through development and dissemination of training, technical assistance, and information initiatives that address the hazardous materials transportation safety concerns of management, technical, and operations personnel.

The functions of this Office are:

1. Advise the Associate Administrator for Hazardous Materials Safety on policy development and program requirements for prevention and preparedness activities involving all levels of Government;
   
   
2. Evaluate strengths and weaknesses of Federal, State, local and industry operating programs that support compliance with hazardous materials transportation regulations and that deal with the consequences of releases;
   
   
3. Maintain liaison with other Federal departments and agencies, State and local governments, and private sector organizations regarding hazardous materials transportation concerns and activities. This Office serves as the focal point for support of, and liaison to, the National Response Team;
   
   
4. Develop instructional materials for emergency preparedness and response. Produce and distribute the Emergency Response guidebook and consequence models for estimating the impact of releases and exercise scenarios;
   
   
5. Provide hazardous materials safety training programs.
   
   
6. Develop and distribute instructional and educational materials for Government and private sector personnel.
    
7. Collect fees from offerors and transporters of certain quantities and types of hazardous materials, including hazardous wastes, who are required to file an annual registration statement with the U.S. Department of Transportation and to pay a fee (see Title 49 CFR Part 107, Subpart G (107.601 - 107.620).
    
8. Administer PHMSA's Hazardous Materials Grant programs that are intended to provide financial and technical assistance as well as national direction and guidance to enhance State, Territorial, Tribal, and employee local hazardous materials emergency planning and training.
   
   

The functions of this Office are also subject to the executive direction of the Associate Administrator for Hazardous Materials Safety.