The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA)

In 1980, Congress passed CERCLA for the purpose of addressing how uncontrolled or abandoned hazardous waste sites, accidents, spills, and other emergency releases of pollutants or contaminants should be handled. The Act creates a federal "Superfund" to clean up, contain, or remove pollutants and hazardous materials in these situations.

CERCLA is enforced by the EPA. Under the Act, the EPA has the power to hunt down the parties responsible for the unsafe abandonment, spill, or release and require their participation in clean-up efforts. If the releaser cannot be found, or refuses to cooperate, the Act gives the EPA responsibility for cleaning up orphaned sites or situations. Once a "response action" to a situation is completed, CERCLA allows for the EPA to recover the costs of the action from financially solvent individuals and companies who were involved.

See also the "Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA)," below.

The Emergency Planning & Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA)

In 1986, Congress enacted the EPCRA, which is also known as Title III of the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 (SARA). The EPCRA is designed to provide assistance to local communities in protecting the public health, safety, and environment from chemical hazards.

Under the EPCRA, each state is required to create and maintain a State Emergency Response Commission (SERC), which is divided into Emergency Planning Districts. Each district must have a Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC). The SERCs and LEPCs are responsible for providing the community with information on chemical hazards that may affect the public and the dissemination of procedures to be followed in the event there is an emergency hazardous situation.

The Endangered Species Act

The Endangered Species Act is a unique piece of legislation that was passed in 1973. The purpose of the Act is to protect, and hopefully repopulate, threatened or endangered plants, animals, and animal habitats. Many species of plants and animals are in danger of extinction due to the impact of humans and pollutants, irritants, and toxins released into their environments.