What aspect of hazardous waste does the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act primarily address?

The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), also known as Superfund, primarily addresses the cleanup of contaminated sites. This legislation was enacted in 1980 to respond to hazardous waste sites that pose a threat to human health or the environment. CERCLA establishes a federal program to identify, assess, and clean up these contaminated locations, ensuring that responsible parties are held accountable for the cleanup costs.

Under this act, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is empowered to investigate and take necessary actions to remediate hazardous substances in the environment, thereby protecting public health and restoring contaminated landscapes. This focus on cleanup distinguishes CERCLA from other aspects of hazardous waste management, such as penalties for waste production, licensing of treatment facilities, or conducting research, which are governed by different regulations and agencies.