What is the primary purpose of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA)?

The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), often referred to as Superfund, was primarily enacted to address and manage the cleanup of sites contaminated with hazardous substances. The act provides the federal government with the authority to respond to releases of hazardous waste and establishes a trust fund to facilitate the cleanup process.

Under CERCLA, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is empowered to identify responsible parties and compel them to clean up contaminated sites or undertake cleanup themselves. This act was a significant response to concerns over environmental pollution and the potential health risks associated with hazardous waste. The focus on managing hazardous waste cleanup activities underscores the importance of protecting the public and the environment from the effects of industrial pollution and toxic waste.

While regulatory measures concerning air quality, mining, and overarching federal environmental policies are important aspects of environmental law, they are not the primary focus of CERCLA. The act specifically addresses the remediation of contaminated sites, which is fundamental to restoring affected ecosystems and public health.