Who administers and enforces the provisions of CERCLA?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is responsible for administering and enforcing the provisions of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), commonly referred to as Superfund. This federal law was enacted to address the cleanup of sites contaminated with hazardous substances and to respond to environmental emergencies.

Under CERCLA, the EPA has the authority to assess and prioritize contamination sites, oversee cleanup efforts, and ensure compliance with environmental standards. The agency also manages the Superfund program, which provides funding for the cleanup of contaminated sites, enabling it to hold responsible parties accountable for the pollution they caused.

The other options do not align with the responsibilities established under CERCLA; for example, the Department of Housing and Urban Development primarily focuses on housing and urban development policies, while the Department of Labor manages labor laws and workplace conditions. The U.S. Geological Survey is concerned with scientific research related to natural resources, hazards, and the environment, but does not have the enforcement role specified in CERCLA.