The determination as to whether or not a commodity is regulated as a hazardous material is prescribed by whom?

The determination as to whether or not a commodity is regulated as a hazardous material is specifically under the purview of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). The DOT, through its Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, sets forth the regulations and guidelines that classify and regulate hazardous materials in the transportation sector. This classification is critical for ensuring safety in the transporting of materials that could pose risks to health, safety, and the environment during transit.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) primarily focuses on environmental protection and may regulate hazardous materials in other contexts, but it does not specifically determine their status in transportation. The National Safety Council is involved in safety education and advocacy rather than regulation. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) focuses on workplace safety and health standards, which may indirectly relate to hazardous materials but does not directly define their regulatory status in transportation. Therefore, the U.S. Department of Transportation is the correct authority that prescribes the classification of hazardous materials for transport.