State Emergency Response Commissions
The Governor of each state or leader of each tribe has designated a State Emergency Response Commission (SERC) that is responsible for implementing the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) provisions within its state or tribe.
For facilities located in on tribal land, the chief executive officer of the tribe is responsible for appointment of a Tribal Emergency Response Commission (TERC). A TERC has similar responsibilities as a SERC. Tribes may enter into a cooperative agreements with other tribes, or with the state(s) within which its lands are located to achieve a workable EPCRA program. Tribes that have entered into cooperative agreements should submit a copy of the signed agreement to the EPA Regional office for their location. [55 Federal Register (FR) 30641; July 26, 1990]
The SERC or TERC's duties include:
- Designating local emergency planning districts;
- Appointing a Local or Tribal Emergency Planning Committees (LEPC or TEPC) for each district;
- Reviewing local emergency response plans;
- Supervising the activities of the LEPC or TEPC; and
- Establishing procedures for receiving and processing public requests for information collected under EPCRA.
Where can I get more information?
For more information on state and local EPCRA implementation, visit the National Association of SARA Title III Program Officials.