Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act

The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), also known as Superfund, is a U.S. federal law enacted in 1980 to address hazardous waste sites. It empowers the government to clean up contaminated areas and hold responsible parties accountable for pollution. The law provides a mechanism for funding cleanup efforts, prioritizing sites based on their risk to public health and the environment. Essentially, CERCLA aims to protect communities from the dangers of toxic waste and ensure that those who pollute pay for the cleanup, making the environment safer for everyone.