Environmental
Which of the following best describes an 'innocent landowner' defense under CERCLA?
AA buyer who acquired contaminated property without knowledge of contamination and conducted all appropriate inquiry✓ Correct
BA seller who disclosed contamination and was released from liability
CA government agency that inherited contaminated land through escheat
DA tenant who caused contamination and vacated before cleanup
Explanation
CERCLA provides an 'innocent landowner' defense for buyers who, at the time of acquisition, did not know and had no reason to know of contamination, having conducted all appropriate inquiry (such as a Phase I ESA). This defense can protect a new owner from liability for pre-existing contamination.
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