Which legislation strengthened the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act in 1986?

The Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) was enacted in 1986 and served to enhance the protections originally established under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA). This legislation aimed to ensure that communities are informed about potential hazardous substances present in their environment. EPCRA established requirements for federal, state, and local governments to collaborate on emergency planning, as well as mandates for reporting on toxic chemical releases.

By requiring facilities to report the presence and release of hazardous substances, it empowers communities with the information they need to prepare for and respond to potential chemical emergencies, thereby increasing public awareness and enhancing safety measures. This integration of community involvement and oversight makes EPCRA a critical component in the framework designed to address environmental hazards and improve public health and safety in relation to chemical exposure and emergencies.

The other options presented focus on different aspects of environmental regulation. The Clean Water Act primarily addresses the regulation of discharges into water bodies, the National Environmental Policy Act establishes a framework for environmental impact assessments, and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act deals with the management of hazardous and non-hazardous waste. While all these laws contribute to environmental protection, it is EPCRA that specifically strengthened the response and liability components of CER