The first federal law that required environmentally sound methods for disposal of wastes was the ___________________.

• A. Solid Waste Disposal Act
• B. CERCLA
• C. Clean Air Act
• D. National Environmental Policy Act

Answer: (A)

The first federal effort to require environmentally sound disposal methods for wastes is the Solid Waste Disposal Act of 1965. This law marked the initial national push to set minimum standards for how solid waste should be disposed of and to encourage states to develop proper disposal programs, establishing a framework for more responsible waste management across the country. CERCLA, enacted later, focuses on cleaning up hazardous waste sites after problems occur. The Clean Air Act regulates air pollutants, not waste disposal methods, and the National Environmental Policy Act requires environmental impact analyses for federal actions, not disposal practices per se. Because the question targets the earliest statute mandating sound disposal methods, the Solid Waste Disposal Act is the correct choice.