What does CERCLA stand for?

The correct response identifies CERCLA as the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act. This federal statute was enacted in 1980 to address the cleanup of hazardous substance sites and to ensure that the parties responsible for contamination are held liable for the costs associated with remediation.

The act provides a federal "superfund" to finance cleanups when responsible parties cannot be identified or are unable to pay. It empowers the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to respond to releases and threatened releases of hazardous substances that may endanger public health or the environment. Additionally, it emphasizes the need for permanent solutions and innovative treatment technologies to protect human health and the environment.

The other options do not accurately represent the primary focus or components of CERCLA. They misinterpret either the purpose of the act or describe legislation that does not exist as specified. This distinction highlights the integral role of CERCLA in hazardous waste management and environmental protection in the United States.