What is the National Priorities List (NPL)?

The National Priorities List (NPL) is specifically a catalog of hazardous waste sites in the United States that have been deemed eligible for federal funding for cleanup under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), commonly known as Superfund. The sites are selected based on a scoring system that assesses factors such as the severity of contamination, the potential risks to health and the environment, and the likelihood of human exposure to hazardous substances. By identifying these sites, the NPL serves as a critical tool for prioritizing federal resources and efforts to remediate and address serious environmental hazards, ultimately protecting public health and the environment.

In contrast, other options refer to different aspects of hazardous waste management, such as generators or recycling programs, and do not encompass the specific purpose and function of the NPL as a focused list for cleanup priorities.