Summary of the Emergency Planning & Community Right-to-Know Act
42 U.S.C. §11001 et seq. (1986)
Authorized by Title III of the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA), the Emergency Planning & Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) was enacted by Congress as the national legislation on community safety. This law is designed to help local communities protect public health, safety, and the environment from chemical hazards.
To implement EPCRA, Congress requires each state to appoint a State Emergency Response Commission (SERC). The SERCs are required to divide their states into Emergency Planning Districts and to name a Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) for each district.
Broad representation by fire fighters, health officials, government and media representatives, community groups, industrial facilities, and emergency managers ensures that all necessary elements of the planning process are represented.
Compliance and Enforcement
History of this Act
- EPA History: Superfund: Including information about EPCRA
More Information
The Office of Emergency Management (OEM) works with other federal partners to prevent accidents as well as to maintain superior response capabilities.