Declaration of policy

It is hereby declared to be the policy of this state: (1) That hazardous materials are essential for various industrial, commercial, and other purposes, that their transportation is a necessary incident to their use, and that the transportation is required for the economic prosperity of the people of the state of Louisiana. (2) That the offering or accepting for transportation, loading or unloading, or transporting, handling, and movement of hazardous materials, because of their capacity for injury to human health, the environment, or property, poses a substantial danger to the health and safety of the citizens of this state unless such materials are loaded and transported in a safe and prudent manner. (3) That all carrier transportation, including offering and accepting for transportation, loading or unloading, or transportation of hazardous materials, freight, or passengers, should comply with minimum state standards of safe operation, manufacture, and maintenance due to the size and momentum of the transport vehicles involved, the adverse impact on economic welfare posed to the citizens of this state when these transport vehicles are involved in accidents, the threat to public safety caused by these accidents, and the huge volume of shipments in which carriers are involved. (4) That the offering or accepting for transportation, loading or unloading, or transporting of hazardous materials, freight, and passengers in accordance with minimum state standards of safety is the responsibility of the state.