In the United States, federal, state, and local governments responded with laws to improve accident prevention and emergency response planning activities by chemical-handling facilities and local governments. These laws also increase public access to information (“Right-to-Know”) about the storage and use of hazardous chemicals.

The Knox County Local Emergency Planning Committee is a State entity created pursuant to SARA Title III (Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act), known as the “Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act of 1986” (EPCRA).

The legislative requirement of the Committee is to implement SARA Title III in Indiana, but the broader and more comprehensive purpose is to enhance public health, safety, and environmental protection in Knox County.