Attorney General Kwame Raoul has led a coalition of state attorneys general in urging the Trump administration to delay plans for new regulations regarding the automated transportation of hazardous materials. The proposed rules from the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) would allow unmanned vehicles, including self-driving trucks, drones, railways, and water vessels, to transport hazardous substances.
Raoul and his counterparts expressed concerns in a comment letter that moving forward with these regulations before the technology is proven safe could increase risks for first responders, public safety, and the environment.
“It is premature to develop regulations to transport hazardous materials by any automated transportation system before a baseline level of reliability and safety has been achieved for everyday automated transportation,” Raoul said. “Accidents involving hazardous materials frequently have catastrophic effects and harm entire communities. I join my fellow attorneys general in strongly urging the Trump administration not to gamble the safety of the public on technology that has yet to be proven.”
The attorneys general highlighted that states have authority over highway route designations for transporting hazardous materials by motor vehicle. They also emphasized that state and local jurisdictions are responsible for responding to accidents involving such materials. According to their letter, PHMSA should ensure first responders can safely address future incidents before moving ahead with any regulatory program.
The coalition argued that autonomous transport of hazardous substances poses unique risks compared to passenger or package delivery services. They called on PHMSA not to create regulations permitting unmanned vehicles to carry hazardous cargo until relevant technology and infrastructure have been developed, tested, and implemented safely in non-hazardous contexts.
Should PHMSA consider such regulations in the future, Raoul and other attorneys general urged close collaboration with states and first responders when drafting rules intended to protect public safety.
Joining Illinois in filing the comment letter were attorneys general from California, the District of Columbia, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New York, New Jersey, Oregon, Vermont, and Washington.
The Illinois Attorney General’s office has advocated for vulnerable groups including workers, immigrants and seniors as noted on its official website. The office also handles thousands of consumer complaints each year while working toward protecting consumers and promoting safer communities across Illinois (source). Additionally, it partners with law enforcement agencies throughout Illinois to support crime victims and promote open government initiatives (source).