What is the primary goal of CERCLA?

The primary goal of CERCLA, or the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, is to impose liability for environmental cleanup costs associated with hazardous waste sites. CERCLA was enacted in response to widespread concerns about the impact of hazardous substances on public health and the environment. It establishes a framework for cleaning up sites contaminated with hazardous substances and holds responsible parties liable for the costs of cleanup.

By imposing liability, CERCLA encourages responsible parties—including current and former owners of contaminated sites, as well as those who contributed to the pollution—to take action to remediate the contamination or face significant financial repercussions. This is crucial for ensuring that environmental cleanups take place and that public and environmental health is protected.

Other options do not align with CERCLA's main objectives. While building codes, regulation of hazardous material sales, and grants for environmental research are important aspects of environmental management and regulation, they fall outside the specific framework and intent of CERCLA, which is focused directly on the cleanup and prevention of hazardous waste site contamination.