Which federal agency regulates asbestos activities in New Jersey?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the federal agency responsible for regulating asbestos activities in New Jersey and throughout the United States. The EPA's role encompasses enforcing the regulations set forth under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), which includes the management and oversight of asbestos-related activities such as mining, processing, and disposal.

One of the key functions of the EPA is to establish guidelines to protect public health and the environment from the dangers associated with asbestos exposure. This includes setting limits on the use of asbestos in various products and ensuring safe practices are followed during asbestos removal and remediation projects.

While other agencies like OSHA play a crucial role in workplace safety by setting permissible exposure limits and implementing health standards for workers handling asbestos, they focus primarily on workplace conditions. In contrast, the EPA's broader mandate covers environmental protection, making it the appropriate federal authority for regulating asbestos activities in New Jersey and the rest of the country.