Which environmental act is associated with the cleanup of hazardous substances?

The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (commonly known as CERCLA) is specifically designed to address the cleanup of hazardous substances in the environment. Enacted in 1980, CERCLA empowers the federal government to respond to the release or potential release of hazardous substances that may endanger public health or the environment. Under this act, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is responsible for identifying contaminated sites and overseeing the remedial processes necessary to manage and mitigate the risks associated with hazardous waste.

CERCLA also established the Superfund program, which enables the federal government to clean up sites where hazardous substances have been found, using funds from a trust (the Superfund) set up to finance such cleanups. The act includes provisions for holding responsible parties liable for cleanup costs, ultimately encouraging accountability and preventive measures.

The other options, while related to environmental management, do not specifically focus on the cleanup of hazardous substances in the same way that CERCLA does. For example, the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) focuses on emergency planning and community right-to-know requirements regarding hazardous chemicals but does not deal directly with cleanup. The Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act expands upon CERCLA but is not the foundational