Agency that oversees rules governing the safe transportation and packaging of
hazardous materials by all modes of transportation, excluding bulk
transportation by water. RSPA also assists local and state authorities with
training for hazardous materials (HAZMAT) emergencies. RSPA establishes and
maintains pipeline safety standards, ensuring public safety and environmental
protection from gas and hazardous liquids transported by pipeline. Research and
development play a major role in RSPA's mission. With responsibility for
research policy and technology sharing, the agency partners with national and
international organizations and universities. In addition, RSPA operates the
Volpe National Transportation Systems Center in Cambridge, Massachusetts, which
is dedicated to enhancing the effectiveness, efficiency, and responsiveness of
other federal organizations with critical transportation-related functions.
(Source:
www.transportation.gov/administrations)