Emergency Response in the United States

Emergency Response in Environmental Law

An action taken to remove a threat to humans or the environment immediately after the release of a hazardous substance [see hazardous substances], an extremely hazardous substance, or oil.

The key to effective emergency response is planning. Thus, under the Oil Pollution Act of 1990, operators of vessels are required to develop a plan to deal with emergency spills or leaks, train their employees to respond, and communicate with the agencies responsible for the area. Similarly, the Emergency Planning and Community Right To Know Act details numerous steps a facility must take to inform the response agencies and the public about potential exposures from the facility

Agencies that may be involved in emergency response include the Environmental Protection Agency, the Coast Guard, the Corps of Engineers, local planning agencies, state agencies, and the National Response Center. However, the primary actor is the person or facility that caused or allowed the release. That person is closest to the emergency and can act more quickly and effectively than an agency.
Based on “Environment and the Law. A Dictionary”.