What is the Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act?

The Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) is a federal law that was passed in 1986. It is designed to protect the public and the environment by providing information about potential environmental and health hazards posed by hazardous chemicals. The law requires businesses that use or store certain chemicals to report their activities to the authorities. EPCRA requires businesses to inform state and local planners and emergency responders of the chemicals they are using and storing. The reports also must include information about the amounts of the chemicals used, their toxicity, and their potential to cause harm to people and the environment. The reports must be sent to the local and state authorities for the purpose of emergency planning and preparedness. The law also requires businesses to inform the public about hazardous materials that they have on-site. This is known as the Community Right-to-Know Act. The information must be disclosed through public notices and labels on containers. This provides people with important information about what chemical hazards may be present in their community. The EPCRA was enacted to help protect individuals and the environment from hazardous chemicals. By requiring chemical manufacturers and users to report their activities and by providing the public with information about potential chemical hazards, the law helps to ensure that everyone is informed of potential risks.

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