What role does the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) play?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) plays a critical role in ensuring the safe management of hazardous substances. This includes setting regulations and standards that govern the handling, transportation, and disposal of hazardous materials to protect human health and the environment. The EPA’s responsibilities encompass various aspects of hazardous materials including risk assessment, enforcement of compliance with regulations, and guiding cleanup efforts for contaminated sites under programs like Superfund.

By focusing on the safe management of hazardous substances, the EPA helps to prevent environmental contamination and promotes public safety. This function is vital for industries that handle such materials, ensuring they act responsibly and adhere to the established safety protocols to minimize risks associated with hazardous substances.

While the other options involve significant environmental protection efforts, their roles do not directly specify the comprehensive oversight and regulatory authority over hazardous substances as outlined in the answer relating to the EPA's core mission.