Which federal environmental law established the "Superfund" for hazardous waste cleanup?

The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), commonly referred to as the Superfund law, was enacted to address the cleanup of sites contaminated with hazardous substances and pollutants. The primary aim of this law is to facilitate the cleanup of sites that pose a risk to human health or the environment. The Superfund program is funded through a tax on the chemical and petroleum industries and allows the federal government to respond directly to releases or potential releases of hazardous substances.

Under CERCLA, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) identifies and prioritizes sites requiring cleanup. The law also holds responsible parties liable for the cleanup, which incentivizes the proper handling of hazardous materials to prevent contamination. This framework is essential for managing and mitigating the risks associated with hazardous waste to protect public health and the environment.

The other options mentioned focus on different aspects of environmental regulation. The Clean Water Act primarily addresses water pollution, the Toxic Substances Control Act regulates the introduction of new or already existing chemicals, and the National Environmental Policy Act requires federal agencies to assess the environmental effects of their proposed actions before making decisions. While all these laws are significant in their respective domains, it is CERCLA that specifically targets hazardous waste cleanup through the Superfund mechanism.