Which act is known as the "Superfund law"?

The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) is commonly referred to as the "Superfund law." This legislation, enacted in 1980, was created to address the cleanup of hazardous waste sites and to ensure that those responsible for the contamination are held accountable for the cleanup costs.

CERCLA established a trust fund, known as the Superfund, to provide resources for the cleanup of sites that pose a risk to public health and the environment due to hazardous substance releases. The law gives the federal government the authority to respond to releases of hazardous substances and to compel responsible parties to clean up contaminated sites or reimburse the government for the cleanup efforts.

This framework has been crucial for managing contaminated sites, especially where the responsible parties are unknown or unable to pay for the cleanup. Understanding the role of the Superfund law is essential for anyone involved in hazardous waste management and remediation efforts.