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

The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), commonly known as Superfund, primarily focuses on the cleanup of abandoned or uncontrolled hazardous waste sites. It was enacted in response to the growing concerns over toxic waste and its impact on human health and the environment. The law provides the federal government with the authority to respond directly to releases or threatened releases of hazardous substances that may endanger public health or the environment.

One of the key aspects of CERCLA is the establishment of a liability framework, which allows the government to hold responsible parties accountable for contamination and ensure that they contribute to the cleanup efforts. The act also set up the Superfund program to oversee the identification, assessment, and remediation of hazardous waste sites across the country, making it essential for environmental restoration.

While the other options relate to environmental protection and regulatory measures, they do not capture the core purpose of CERCLA. Establishing air quality standards, monitoring point-source pollution, and regulating water discharge are important elements of environmental management but are not the primary focus of this specific legislation.