What does the acronym "SARA" stand for in hazardous materials regulation?

The acronym "SARA" stands for the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act. This legislation, enacted in 1986, was an amendment to the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), commonly known as the Superfund law. SARA's primary focus is to address the cleanup of hazardous waste sites and to ensure that the public is informed about chemical releases. It emphasizes the importance of community right-to-know provisions, which require that local communities be informed about hazardous substances that may be released into their environment.

Understanding SARA is essential for anyone involved in hazardous materials regulation, as it establishes key frameworks for site remediation, public safety, and the involvement of various stakeholders in the environmental management process. Knowledge of this act assists in ensuring compliance with legal requirements for handling hazardous materials, thus promoting safety and environmental protection.