Which federal department historically has significant responsibilities for Superfund site cleanup?

The Department of Energy (DOE) has historically played a significant role in Superfund site cleanup due to its operational involvement in various energy production and storage facilities that have the potential for environmental contamination. The Superfund program, administered under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), is designed to clean up hazardous waste sites that pose a risk to human health and the environment.

The DOE manages several sites that have been designated as Superfund sites due to contamination from nuclear weapons production and energy research activities. This includes issues related to radioactive waste and hazardous materials, where the DOE is directly responsible for remediation efforts to address contamination.

While other departments, like the Department of Defense, also have responsibilities in terms of cleanup at military sites, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) oversees the Superfund program as a whole, the Department of Energy specifically has targeted responsibilities related to their historical operations and the resultant environmental impact.