Illinois Attorney General Joins Coalition Urging Caution On Automated Hazardous Materials Transport

CHICAGO — Attorney General Kwame Raoul led a coalition of state attorneys general last week in urging the Trump administration to pause plans to allow the transportation of hazardous materials by automated vehicles, including trucks, drones, rail and water vessels. The coalition warned that unmanned transport of hazardous materials before the technology is proven safe could endanger first responders, public safety and the environment. Officials stressed that states have authority over highway route designations for hazardous materials and are responsible for responding to accidents. The attorneys general urged federal regulators to ensure technology and infrastructure are tested and safely implemented for non-hazardous uses before considering automated hazardous material transport and to coordinate with states and first responders on any future regulations.