Federal Emergency Response Roles and Responsibilities

Regional Response Teams (RRTs): The U.S. National Response Team (NRT) is an organization of 15 Federal departments and agencies responsible for coordinating emergency preparedness and response to oil and hazardous substance pollution incidents. The Environment Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) serve as Chair and Vice Chair respectively. The National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan (NCP) and the Code of Federal Regulations (40 CFR part 300) outline the role of the NRT and Regional Response Teams (RRTs). The response teams are also cited in various federal statutes, including Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA) – Title III and the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act (HMTA).

Click on your area on the RRT Map to participate in an upcoming meeting, make new contacts, find training, and learn about upcoming events.

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) National Preparedness – also see FEMA’s Tribal Affairs: The FEMA Administrator serves as the principal advisor to the President, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the Homeland Security Council regarding emergency management.

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Hazardous Materials Release – also see DHS’s Tribal Resource Guide and DHS’s 2021 Action Plan for Tribal Consultation and Strengthening Nation-to-Nation Relationships: The Secretary of Homeland Security is the principal federal official for domestic incident management and is responsible for coordinating federal operations within the United States to prepare for, respond to, and recover from terrorist attacks, major disasters, and other emergencies.

US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): EPA is the lead federal agency for all activities following an inland oil spill or release of hazardous material or a chemical.

US Coast Guard (USCG) National Response Center – also see USCG Spill Response Funding/National Pollution Funds Center: The US Coast Guard is the lead federal agency for all activities in coastal and international waters following an oil spill or release of hazardous material or a chemical.

Department of Justice (DOJ)/Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI): DOJ provides expert advice on legal questions arising during an oil/chemical incident. DOJ also represents the federal government in litigation relating to hazardous substance, oil, and chemical releases. The FBI is the lead federal agency for any necessary federal law enforcement investigation related to oil/chemical incidents.

Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) Response and Recovery Resources Compendium – also see the Disaster Assistance Improvement Program: HHS provides federal assets and capabilities to support timesensitive, lifesaving, and life-sustaining public health and medical infrastructure to supplement Tribal response and recovery capabilities.

Department of Transportation (DOT) Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Recovery Information: DOT through the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) is responsible for regulating and ensuring the safe and secure movement of hazardous materials to industry and consumers by all modes of transportation, including pipelines.

Department of State (DOS): DOS coordinates international response and notification when discharges or releases may affect international interests or extend beyond U.S. jurisdiction. DOS also coordinates requests for response assistance from foreign governments.

Department of Energy (DOE): DOE is the primary federal agency responsible for collaborating with the energy sector on emergency response.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Ocean Service (NOS): NOS provides a broad range of scientific, technical, and policy experts and modeling applications to support the response to an incident.

Department of Defense (DOD): DOD assists with federal actions related to oil/chemical incidents in support of domestic infrastructure. The mission of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is to deliver vital public and military engineering services.

Department of the Interior (DOI) Emergency Response to Oil Spills and Hazardous Material Release and DOI’s Oil and Hazardous Substances Response: Based on its extensive land and resource management responsibilities, DOI provides scientific expertise to the federal on-scene coordinators to help protect sensitive natural, recreational, and cultural resources and areas.

Department of Labor (DOL) Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Emergency Preparedness and Response: OSHA ensures that response workers are protected and determines if response sites comply with safety and health standards; and provides consultation and enforcement to ensure adequate training, controls, and personal protective equipment for responder protection.

General Services Administration (GSA): GSA is the coordinator, with FEMA, for logistics: leases facilities, obtains transportation services (air, sea, land), and enables agencies to secure lodging for responders through its Emergency Lodging Services program; supports acquisition of emergency lodging, commodities and supplies, telecommunications services, and other needs as identified.

Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) Emergency Response: NRC regulates civilian nuclear facilities and nuclear materials and is the lead federal agency during radiological events involving its licensees and provides expertise during other radiological incidents.