Is private industry exempt from notification and reporting requirements regarding releases of hazardous substances?

Private industry is not exempt from notification and reporting requirements concerning the release of hazardous substances. Under various environmental regulations, including the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) and the Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act (EPCRA), companies are required to notify the appropriate authorities and potentially the public in the event of a hazardous substance release that exceeds certain thresholds. These regulations are in place to ensure public safety and environmental protection, reflecting the responsibility that all industries have in managing hazardous materials.

The other options suggest various exemptions that do not align with established regulatory requirements. All businesses, regardless of size or whether they operate internationally or domestically, must comply with these laws when releasing hazardous substances, reinforcing the principle that environmental safety is a collective responsibility.