What is one of the three major amendments to RCRA?

The Hazardous and Solid Waste Amendments (HSWA) are one of the three major amendments to the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), which governs the management and disposal of hazardous waste in the United States. This amendment, enacted in 1984, significantly expanded the regulatory framework established by RCRA, introducing stricter guidelines for waste management, including the prohibition of the land disposal of untreated hazardous waste and the requirement for states to establish and implement hazardous waste management programs that meet federal standards.

The HSWA aimed to enhance the protection of human health and the environment by ensuring that hazardous waste is treated, stored, and disposed of in a manner that minimizes risks. It also emphasized the importance of waste minimization and required facilities to adhere to stricter standards to ensure that hazardous waste is handled safely.

In contrast, the other options listed are not amendments to RCRA: The Coal Mining Safety Act focuses on worker safety in the mining industry, while the Clean Air Act addresses air pollution control but is separate from waste management legislation. The Comprehensive Waste Disposal Act is not a recognized federal law related specifically to hazardous waste management. Therefore, the Hazardous and Solid Waste Amendments stand out as a critical part of RCRA's evolution and regulatory impact on hazardous