RCRA — Which statements are true about the act?

• A. Passed in 1980
• B. Passed in 1976
• C. Addresses only past contamination
• D. Does not designate EPA

Answer: (B)

RCRA is about when it was enacted and who enforces it, not just a one-time cleanup idea. It was enacted in 1976, establishing a cradle-to-grave framework for managing hazardous waste and giving the EPA the authority to regulate and implement the program. It isn’t limited to past contamination; it covers the ongoing generation, transportation, treatment, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste. It designates the EPA to administer the program, so the statement that the act does not designate the EPA is false. The 1980 date and the idea of addressing only past contamination are both incorrect for RCRA.