Final answer:
States have the authority to manage the storage, use, transportation, and disposal of hazardous materials within their borders, under the framework set by the RCRA and further regulated by the EPA and the United States Department of Transportation. States may impose regulations that are stricter than federal standards.
Step-by-step explanation:
Under existing laws, states do have the authority to control the storage, use, transport, and disposal of hazardous materials within their borders. The framework for the management of hazardous waste is outlined by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), which was enacted to ensure hazardous waste is managed safely from 'cradle to grave'. This means that from the moment hazardous waste is created until it is disposed of, it must be handled in accordance with specific regulations that protect human health and the environment.
The United States Department of Transportation has specific hazardous materials regulations that also apply, alongside the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) regulations on hazardous waste. The EPA established regulations that apply to recycling, treatment, storage, and disposal facilities, as well as descriptions of land disposal restrictions. States can also impose their own regulations that are more stringent than federal laws. Therefore, states do have the power to oversee the management of hazardous waste within their jurisdiction, potentially imposing higher standards if deemed necessary.