Which agency is responsible for coordinating national CBRN response efforts in the U.S.?

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is the agency tasked with coordinating national CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear) response efforts in the United States. One of DHS's primary missions is to safeguard the nation from threats, including those posed by CBRN incidents. This includes working with state and local agencies, as well as other federal partners, to ensure a unified and effective response to potential threats.

DHS has established various programs and initiatives to prepare for, respond to, and recover from CBRN incidents. It provides resources, guidance, and training to first responders and other stakeholders, ensuring that they are equipped to handle these complex emergencies. By being the lead agency, DHS plays a critical role in coordinating planning and operational activities across different sectors, enhancing the collective capability to respond to a variety of hazardous incidents effectively.

Other agencies like the FBI, CDC, and EPA have critical roles in specific aspects of CBRN response—for instance, the FBI handles investigations and intelligence related to threats; the CDC focuses on public health aspects, particularly in biological emergencies; and the EPA oversees environmental contamination issues. However, it is DHS that serves as the central hub for coordinating the overall national response strategy to CBRN events.