American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

"Potentially responsible parties" (PRPs) is a term in which federal environmental law?

1. Big Trees Preservation Act

2. Clean Air Act

3. Fairy Shrimp Protection Act

4. Super Fund (CERCLA)

The correct answer is: Super Fund (CERCLA)

The term "potentially responsible parties" (PRPs) is specifically associated with the Superfund law, formally known as the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA). This federal legislation was enacted to address the cleanup of hazardous waste sites and is aimed at facilitating the cleanup of polluted sites to protect public health and the environment. Under CERCLA, PRPs are individuals or entities that may be legally liable for contamination at Superfund sites. The law identifies various categories of PRPs, including current and former owners and operators of the site, as well as those who arranged for the disposal of hazardous substances. The identification of PRPs is crucial because it enables the government to recover cleanup costs and enforce liability for pollution, ensuring that those responsible for environmental damage contribute to the remediation efforts. In contrast, the other acts listed do not involve the PRP designation. For instance, the Clean Air Act focuses on air quality standards and pollution control, while the other acts mentioned either pertain to specific species conservation or preservation of natural areas, lacking the broad liability framework found in CERCLA. Thus, the correct identification of PRPs resides in the context of the Superfund law due to its focus on hazardous waste and the associated responsibilities for cleanup.