Which act is known as the Comprehensive Environmental Response and Liability Act?

The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act is commonly referred to by its acronym, CERCLA. This federal law was enacted to address the cleanup of hazardous substance releases and to support the mitigation of environmental hazards that pose a risk to public health. CERCLA establishes a trust fund, known as the Superfund, which is used to finance the cleanup of sites contaminated with hazardous substances.

Additionally, CERCLA empowers federal and state governments to respond to spills and releases of hazardous substances quickly and effectively, ensuring that responsible parties are held accountable for cleanup costs. The act plays a crucial role in environmental protection by facilitating the cleanup of contaminated sites and preventing exposure to toxic substances.

The other acts listed, such as NEPA, RCRA, and EPCRA, serve different environmental functions, dealing with environmental assessments, solid waste management, and emergency planning respectively. Understanding these distinctions is essential for grasping the broader context of environmental legislation and its implications for criminal investigations related to environmental law.