Which federal agency focuses on environmental regulation concerning asbestos?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the federal agency primarily responsible for the regulation of asbestos in the environment. The EPA's involvement with asbestos began in the 1970s when it established the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP), which sets strict guidelines for the handling and disposal of asbestos-containing materials to protect public health and the environment.

The agency has authority over a range of environmental issues, including air quality, water quality, and hazardous waste management, all of which can be affected by asbestos. The EPA also conducts research and provides guidance on asbestos risk management, contributing to the overall safety and health of communities exposed to asbestos.

While other agencies like OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) focus on workplace safety related to asbestos exposure, and the Clean Air Act (CAA) addresses air quality standards including pollutants, the EPA remains the central authority for environmental regulation concerning asbestos specifically. Similarly, DOSH (Division of Occupational Safety and Health) pertains to state-level workplace safety, further highlighting that the EPA’s scope is distinct in terms of environmental regulations.