Which agency is responsible for coordinating responses to CBRN threats in the United States?

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is the agency responsible for coordinating responses to Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) threats in the United States. FEMA's role encompasses preparing for scenarios involving these types of threats, coordinating the federal response, and providing resources and support to state and local government agencies during emergency situations.

FEMA works in conjunction with various other agencies, including the Department of Defense and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, but its primary mission is emergency management, which includes disaster response planning and execution related to CBRN incidents. The agency's expertise in disaster scenarios, public safety, and community preparedness positions it as the central authority for managing responses to such threats, ensuring that the country can effectively handle emergencies and mitigate their impacts on public health and safety.

In contrast, while the other agencies listed have critical roles in their respective domains, they do not primarily focus on coordinated responses to CBRN threats in the same way FEMA does. For example, the Department of Defense deals with military aspects and national defense, the Federal Bureau of Investigation focuses on criminal investigations and national security issues, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention handles public health issues but does not coordinate national emergency responses.