What role does the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 (SARA) strengthen?

The Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 (SARA) strengthened the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) role in assigning responsibility for hazardous waste sites and mandating cleanups. This legislation was a reauthorization of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), which established the federal Superfund program to clean up contaminated sites. SARA emphasized the importance of ensuring that responsible parties are held accountable for the cleanup of hazardous waste, thus reinforcing the EPA's authority to impose penalties and require action from those who have contributed to pollution.

This strengthening of the EPA's capabilities meant that the agency had more tools and legal backing to pursue parties responsible for contamination, thereby facilitating more efficient cleanup efforts and protecting public health and the environment. SARA also included provisions for enhancing community involvement in the cleanup process and addressing issues related to hazardous substances, further solidifying the EPA's critical role in managing hazardous waste and protecting human health.