CERCLA
Puts a tax on the chemical and petroleum industries, Superfund to clean up hazardous waste
CERCLA, or the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, is a federal law enacted in 1980 to address the cleanup and prevention of hazardous substance releases into the environment. The law created a trust fund, called the Superfund, to finance the cleanup of hazardous waste sites and to hold responsible parties accountable for their actions.
CERCLA is intended to cover releases of hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants into the soil, air, or water, and its primary goal is to protect human health and the environment. The law authorizes the EPA to identify potentially responsible parties, investigate and evaluate sites, take emergency response actions when necessary, and implement long-term remediation measures.
CERCLA also provides for liability for responsible parties, which may include owners, operators, and generators of hazardous waste. Liability includes remediation costs, natural resource damages, and indirect costs such as loss of use or value of property.
Overall, CERCLA is an important tool in protecting public health and the environment, and promotes accountability for those who create hazardous conditions.
More Answers:
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The Clean Air Act: Key Features for Reducing Air Pollution in the United States