What does the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) focus on?

The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) primarily focuses on the cleanup of properties impacted by hazardous waste releases, which is accurately represented by the correct answer. Established in 1980, CERCLA addresses the identification, investigation, and remediation of sites contaminated by hazardous substances. This Act provides federal authority for responding to releases of hazardous substances that may endanger public health or the environment, ensuring that responsible parties are held liable for cleanup costs.

The intent behind CERCLA is to facilitate the clean-up of contaminated sites, which can pose significant health risks to local communities and ecosystems. The Act establishes a process for the government to locate and clean up hazardous waste sites which can include a wide variety of pollutants and contaminants.

While the other choices address important environmental issues, they fall outside the scope of CERCLA. Establishing clean air standards pertains to the Clean Air Act, funding for coastal management is generally associated with various coastal-related programs, and regulation of water pollution falls under the Clean Water Act. Each of these legislative acts focuses on specific environmental concerns, whereas CERCLA stands out as the primary federal law for cleaning up hazardous waste sites.