Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act

United States legislation

Also known as: EPCRA

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Last updated

July 20, 2026

Quick Summary

The Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) is a United States law developed in the late 20th century. It allows local communities to be informed about the types of toxic chemicals manufactured by industries in their areas. This legislation also aids communities in creating emergency plans to address potential hazardous substance releases and exposures.1

EPCRA is part of a broader framework of environmental legislation, including the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), which empowers the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to regulate chemical substances to protect public health and the environment.21

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Environmental Protection Agency
Late 20th-century developments
…saw the development of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA), which allowed local communities to know the nature of the toxic chemicals produced by industries in their areas and assisted communities in developing emergency plans to deal with hazardous substance releases and exposures.
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…saw the development of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA), which allowed local communities to know the nature of the toxic chemicals produced by industries in their areas and assisted communities in developing emergency plans to deal with hazardous substance releases and exposures.
Read More