What does the acronym "SARA" stand for?

The acronym "SARA" stands for the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act. This legislation, enacted in 1986, is an important part of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), commonly known as the Superfund law. SARA was created to amend and enhance the Superfund program by addressing issues related to hazardous waste sites, including public participation in the cleanup process and the required financial assurances for covering cleanup costs.

The act emphasizes the importance of involving local communities in the decision-making process regarding hazardous waste sites, and it also introduces stricter cleanup standards, particularly for hazardous substances. SARA further established funding mechanisms to ensure that cleanup efforts could be sustained, thereby supporting the overarching goal of protecting human health and the environment from the adverse effects of hazardous waste.

Understanding the significance of SARA helps clarify its role in hazardous waste management and regulatory frameworks.