Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA)

The Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA), enacted in 1986, builds on the original Superfund law aimed at cleaning up hazardous waste sites. SARA emphasizes stronger enforcement of cleanup actions, increased community involvement in decision-making, and enhanced funding for cleanup programs. It also mandates that states follow certain guidelines and ensures that polluters are held responsible for their waste. Importantly, SARA introduced the concept of "potentially responsible parties," encouraging accountability and encouraging the reuse of cleaned sites for future development. Overall, SARA aims to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of hazardous waste cleanups.