Which act governs the emergency response procedures for handling hazardous materials?

The Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) serves as the governing legislation for emergency response procedures when handling hazardous materials. This act was enacted to empower and inform communities about hazardous substances that may pose a risk to public health and the environment.

One major purpose of EPCRA is to facilitate communication between the government and the public regarding the potential presence of hazardous materials in local areas. It requires that facilities which handle significant quantities of hazardous substances report their inventories to local emergency planning committees. This fosters preparedness and promotes effective emergency response planning.

In addition, EPCRA includes provisions that require states and local governments to develop emergency response plans, ensuring that community responders are well-informed and equipped to handle hazardous material incidents. This act emphasizes the importance of information-sharing and collaboration among federal, state, and local agencies to protect community safety during hazardous material emergencies.

Other acts mentioned, while they pertain to environmental standards and management of hazardous substances, do not specifically govern the emergency response procedures for handling hazardous materials like EPCRA does.