Hazardous Materials Hotline©
June 29, 2026
Scholarships Available
The US HEAT Scholarship program has been established and is beginning to award grants for hazardous materials and emergency services personnel, from anywhere in the United States, to attend training conferences related to hazardous materials. In addition, to the national program, there are two state programs, Texas HEAT and Maryland HEAT, that provide training scholarships for personnel in those states. Lastly, the Yvorra Leadership Development Foundation provides funding for study and special projects.
Discussion: These programs provide valuable funding to attend training, higher education, or developing special projects. As with many programs, the number of applicants is surprising low.
Pro Codes Act Moving Forward
After several years of slow progress, the proposed Pro Codes Act continues to move forward. The Act, if passed, would allow the incorporation of consensus standards into law, reducing disparity between standards and legal requirements.
Discussion: The Act also seeks to balance copyright protections with public safety and existing copyright law. As with all new regulations, there are advantages and challenges related to incorporating consensus standards into code and emergency services personnel and managers should examine the impact and be prepared to address any concerns.
PHMSA Updates
The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration has issued a bulletin regarding the risks of using Type A sleeves to repair hazardous materials pipelines and has issued an amendment to the regulations regarding the shipment of low hazard fireworks.
Discussion: Regulatory changes may result in unintended consequences, new hazards, or improvements to the health and safety of responders and community members. Emergency services personnel should be aware of proposed changes, examine the impact of them, and share their comments with the regulatory authorities in an effort to guide the regulatory and decision-making process.
Grant News
FEMA has announced the opening of the Homeland Security Grant Program. This grant is intended to provide funding to support preventing, mitigating, responding to, and recovering from acts of terrorism and other threats.
Discussion: The funding level for 2026 is slightly more than 2025, with increases across UASI, SHSP, and Operation Stonegarden.
NTSB Recommends Shifting from DOT 111 Rail Cars
A major recommendation from the investigation report from the CPKC derailment in 2024 is removing DOT 111 and 117R tank cars from hazardous materials service and shifting to the exclusive use of DOT 117 cars.
Discussion: The report contains a number of recommendations that may impact the frequency and impact of rail-based hazardous materials incidents. Emergency planners and responders with rail should continue to follow the progress of the recommendations in policy.
Chemical of the Week and IAB Podcast
The InterAgency Board continues to host the chemical of the week and bi-monthly podcasts, along with the Hazardous Materials Hot Line archive. They make for great training and situational awareness.
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About the Author:
Dave Donohue is a hazardous materials course developer, educator, and trainer with experience at the local, regional and national level. He is also a Master Exercise Practitioner, firefighter, and emergency manager.
