Attorney General Kwame Raoul has led a group of state attorneys general in calling on the Trump administration to stop its plan to propose regulations for transporting hazardous materials using automated vehicles. The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) announced it intends to propose rules that would allow hazardous materials to be transported by automated trucks, drones, railways, and water vessels.
In a letter to PHMSA, Raoul and other attorneys general argued that moving forward with these regulations before automated technology is proven safe could put first responders, public safety, and the environment at serious risk.
“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 letter from the attorneys general emphasized that states have authority over highway routes used for transporting hazardous materials by motor vehicle. They also noted that states and local jurisdictions are responsible for responding to accidents involving hazardous materials. The coalition urged PHMSA not to proceed until first responders are able to safely respond to potential incidents under any new regulatory program.
Raoul and his colleagues pointed out that transporting hazardous materials autonomously presents risks and challenges beyond those involved in passenger or package delivery. They asked PHMSA not to allow unmanned vehicles for such purposes until both technology and infrastructure are developed, tested, and safely implemented for non-hazardous uses.
If PHMSA does consider new regulations in the future, the coalition recommended close cooperation with states and first responders in developing measures that protect public safety.
Attorneys general from California, the District of Columbia, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New York, New Jersey, Oregon, Vermont, and Washington joined Raoul in submitting this comment letter.
The Illinois Attorney General’s office has advocated for vulnerable groups such as workers, immigrants, and seniors according to its official website. The office handles thousands of consumer complaints annually while aiming to protect consumers, promote safer communities, and advocate for environmental issues as well as rights concerns (source). Its efforts extend across Illinois through partnerships with law enforcement supporting crime victims and promoting open government (source). Services offered include complaint filing related to consumer fraud or civil rights (source).