Which regulation governs the management of hazardous waste in the U.S.?

The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) is the regulation that specifically governs the management of hazardous waste in the United States. Enacted in 1976, RCRA provides the framework for the proper management and disposal of hazardous waste, including guidelines for waste treatment, storage, and cleanup of waste sites. It emphasizes the importance of waste minimization and efficient resource use, promoting safe and environmentally sound practices for hazardous materials throughout their lifecycle.

Other regulations like the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act primarily focus on air quality and water quality standards, respectively, while the National Environmental Policy Act establishes the requirement for federal agencies to assess the environmental effects of their proposed actions. These laws play vital roles in environmental protection but do not address the specific management of hazardous waste in the manner that RCRA does.