Controversial cleanup: Superfund and the implementation of U.S. hazardous waste policy

Journal Article · Thu Dec 31 04:00:00 EST 1998 · Policy Studies Journal

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1541-0072.1998.tb01942.x· OSTI ID:346811

Rahm, D

While there is widespread public and political support for cleaning up the nation`s hazardous waste sites, Superfund has been fraught with dissension and controversy since its inception. Some criticisms of the program focus on deriding an all-too-expensive program run amuck with litigation and federal heavy-handedness. Other critics complain of an inefficient and ineffective program that has made painfully slow and inconsistent progress. Detractors do not disagree with the fundamental goal of the program--cleaning up hazardous waste sites. Rather, they focus on the fairness of Superfund`s liability provisions and the Environmental Protection Agency`s record of cleanup competency. This paper discusses these major issues at the core of the controversy over Superfund. The policy implications of Superfund program reform efforts and the ramifications for future hazardous waste policy are considered.

• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• OSTI ID: 346811
• Journal Information: Policy Studies Journal, Journal Name: Policy Studies Journal Journal Issue: 4 Vol. 26; ISSN 0190-292X; ISSN PSJOD9
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY
GOVERNMENT POLICIES
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
PUBLIC OPINION
US SUPERFUND