When was the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act enacted?

The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA), commonly known as Superfund, was enacted in 1980. This landmark legislation was established to address the cleanup of hazardous waste sites and to hold responsible parties accountable for environmental damage. The act created a mechanism for the federal government to respond to hazardous substance emergencies and provided funding for the cleanup of contaminated sites. Key aspects of CERCLA include the establishment of the National Priorities List (NPL) of sites that are eligible for long-term remedial action financed under the federal Superfund program, as well as provisions for the identification and cleanup of hazardous waste sites. Understanding the year of enactment is pivotal for comprehending the development of environmental policy and response frameworks in the United States, especially as it set the groundwork for subsequent environmental legislation and remediation efforts.