What was the main focus of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act?

The main focus of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, commonly known as CERCLA or the Superfund Act, is indeed the clean-up of abandoned hazardous waste sites. Enacted in 1980, the law was designed to address the growing concern about the health risks and environmental damage posed by hazardous waste sites across the United States.

Under CERCLA, the federal government has the authority to respond to releases of hazardous substances that may endanger public health or the environment. The Act establishes a trust fund, known as the Superfund, which is used to finance the clean-up efforts at these contaminated sites. This fund enables the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to take immediate action to contain and remediate hazardous waste sites, making it a crucial tool in environmental protection and public health safety.

The focus on clean-up efforts distinguishes CERCLA from other environmental legislations that might regulate air emissions or promote environmental research or conservation initiatives like national parks. The specific aim of addressing and mitigating the dangers associated with hazardous waste is what solidifies the Act's pivotal role in environmental protection efforts.