Which environmental law enacted in 1980 established a trust fund to clean up hazardous waste sites?

• A. Clean Water Act
• B. CERCLA (Comprehensive Environmental Response, and Liability Act)
• C. National Environmental Policy Act
• D. Endangered Species Act

Answer: (B)

The idea being tested is identifying which law created a dedicated funding mechanism for cleaning up hazardous waste sites. In 1980, CERCLA established the Superfund, a trust fund financed by taxes on chemical and petroleum industries, to pay for cleanup when responsible parties cannot be found or cannot pay. It also gave the federal government authority to respond to releases of hazardous substances and to pursue liable parties. This combination of funding and enforcement is what makes CERCLA the correct choice for establishing a cleanup fund.

The other laws focus on different environmental priorities: the Clean Water Act regulates discharges into water bodies and sets standards; the National Environmental Policy Act requires environmental impact reviews for federal actions; and the Endangered Species Act protects threatened and endangered species and their habitats. None of these create a dedicated fund specifically for cleaning up hazardous waste sites.