What is the primary purpose of the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA)?

• A. Federal cleanup of uncontrolled hazardous waste sites and spill response
• B. Regulation of pesticide labeling
• C. Setting pesticide tolerances
• D. Transportation of hazardous materials

Answer: (A)

SARA is about cleaning up hazardous waste sites and coordinating responses to chemical spills. Its main purpose is to strengthen and fund federal cleanup of uncontrolled or abandoned hazardous waste sites and to improve response when releases occur. It also expanded emergency planning and public notification so communities know what chemicals are nearby and how to respond in a spill or accident.

That focus is different from the other areas: regulating pesticide labeling falls under a separate law (FIFRA), setting pesticide tolerances is handled under another statute (the act that governs pesticide residues in food), and transporting hazardous materials is regulated by transportation laws. SARA’s core goal is about cleanup and spill response, not labeling, tolerances, or transportation.