Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)

Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA, 1976)

1) Link to the Text of the Act
Read the statute (42 U.S.C. § 6901 et seq.)

2) Why It Was Done
RCRA was passed to address growing concerns about solid and hazardous waste disposal, ensuring safe management from “cradle to grave” and protecting human health and the environment.

3) Pre-existing Law or Constitutional Rights
Before RCRA, waste management was largely unregulated at the federal level, with states and municipalities handling disposal. Environmental disasters highlighted the need for stronger standards.

Acts

Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA / Superfund)

Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA / Superfund, 1980)

1) Link to the Text of the Act
Read the statute (42 U.S.C. § 9601 et seq.)

2) Why It Was Done
CERCLA, known as Superfund, was enacted in response to toxic waste disasters (e.g., Love Canal). It created a federal program to identify, clean up, and hold polluters financially responsible for contaminated sites.

3) Pre-existing Law or Constitutional Rights
While RCRA (1976) regulated ongoing waste management, there was no framework to address abandoned or historic contamination. CERCLA filled that gap.