Which law primarily governs hazardous waste management in the U.S.?

The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) is the primary law governing hazardous waste management in the United States. It was enacted in 1976 to address the growing concerns about the environmental and public health risks associated with hazardous waste disposal. RCRA establishes a comprehensive framework for the proper management of hazardous waste from its generation to its disposal, ensuring that hazardous materials are handled in a way that protects human health and the environment.

RCRA provides guidelines for waste management practices and requires that hazardous waste be treated, stored, and disposed of safely. This includes setting standards for waste treatment facilities, establishing a tracking system for hazardous waste, and implementing policies for the cleanup of contaminated sites. The act is crucial in ensuring that hazardous waste is managed responsibly and reduces the risk of pollution and exposure to dangerous substances.

In contrast, while the Clean Water Act focuses on water pollution, CERCLA (also known as Superfund) addresses the cleanup of hazardous waste sites but does not primarily govern hazardous waste management itself. The National Environmental Policy Act is focused on environmental review processes, requiring federal agencies to assess the environmental impact of their actions but does not deal specifically with hazardous waste management like RCRA does.