Underground storage tanks (UST) containing regulated substances, including petroleum storage tanks and tanks that store hazardous substances, are subject to the requirements of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). The federal underground storage tank program is intended to prevent leaking underground storage tanks that can cause soil and groundwater contamination. All regulated tanks must be registered, meet financial responsibility requirements, and have spill and corrosion protection. UST regulations also provide for tank design, installation, leak detection, remediation, and tank closure.

The Energy Policy Act of 2005 added leak detection and enforcement provisions, and requires inspections, operator training, secondary containment and product delivery standards.

State UST programs may have stricter requirements, such as including heating oil tanks as regulated tanks. Most states require that UST installers, removers, and testers be certified or licensed by the state.