State AGs Push Back on Autonomous Hazmat Transport Rules

Key Details A multi-state coalition of attorneys general, led by Illinois AG Kwame Raoul, is urging the Trump administration to halt proposed regulations allowing self-driving trucks to transport hazardous materials. The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration published an advance notice in December 2025 seeking public comment on automated hazmat transportation across trucks, drones, railways, and water vessels. Why It Matters States argue they maintain authority over hazmat routing and emergency response, and allowing unmanned vehicles to transport hazmat before proven safe would expose communities to catastrophic risks. The attorneys general stress that autonomous technology must first be tested and validated for routine, non-hazmat operations before tackling hazmat transport. The Coalition's Position Raoul emphasized that accidents involving hazardous materials cause widespread damage and community harm. The coalition warns against gambling with public safety on unproven technology and urges establishing baseline reliability standards first. Nine states and D.C. have joined the effort, including California, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Oregon, Vermont, and Washington. What's Next The debate highlights ongoing tension between federal safety authorities and state governments over autonomous vehicle regulation and hazmat transport oversight.