Which organization may authorize a state's implementation of the RCRA program?

Which organization may authorize a state's implementation of the RCRA program?

• A. OSHA
• B. FDA
• C. The Department of Agriculture
• D. The Environmental Protection Agency

Answer: (D)

Environmental protection agencies are the ones with the authority to approve and oversee a state's RCRA program. The federal Environmental Protection Agency sets the federal standards for hazardous waste management and then authorizes states to run their own programs in compliance with those standards. Once a state’s program is authorized, it enforces RCRA requirements within that state and is held to the federal minimums (and sometimes more stringent state rules). The other agencies listed—OSHA (workplace safety), FDA (foods and drugs), and the Department of Agriculture (agriculture policy)—do not have authority to authorize or oversee state RCRA programs.

Environmental protection agencies are the ones with the authority to approve and oversee a state's RCRA program. The federal Environmental Protection Agency sets the federal standards for hazardous waste management and then authorizes states to run their own programs in compliance with those standards. Once a state’s program is authorized, it enforces RCRA requirements within that state and is held to the federal minimums (and sometimes more stringent state rules). The other agencies listed—OSHA (workplace safety), FDA (foods and drugs), and the Department of Agriculture (agriculture policy)—do not have authority to authorize or oversee state RCRA programs.