Which governmental program was the first to require chemical emergency planning at the state and local level?

The correct answer is SARA - Title III, also known as the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA), which was enacted in 1986. This legislation specifically mandates chemical emergency planning at both the state and local levels, making it the first program to do so. SARA - Title III requires states to establish emergency planning committees that work with local agencies to prepare for potential chemical emergencies, ensuring that communities have the necessary plans and resources in place to respond effectively to hazardous materials incidents.

The focus of SARA - Title III is on increasing public access to information about the presence and release of hazardous substances, thereby enhancing community preparedness and safety. This legislation was a significant step in regulating how communities handle chemical hazards and promotes collaboration between various government entities and the public.

In contrast, the other options refer to different environmental and safety regulations that do not specifically target community and state-level emergency planning in the same manner. CERCLA deals primarily with the cleanup of hazardous waste sites, RCRA regulates hazardous waste management, and TSCA focuses on chemical substances and mixtures but does not establish emergency planning requirements. This distinction highlights why SARA - Title III is the relevant choice for the question about chemical emergency planning requirements.