The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today is establishing federal standards and practices for conducting all appropriate inquiries as required under sections 101(35)(B)(ii) and (iii) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA). Today's final rule establishes specific regulatory requirements and standards for conducting all appropriate inquiries into the previous ownership and uses of a property for the purposes of meeting the all appropriate inquiries provisions necessary to qualify for certain landowner liability protections under CERCLA. The standards and practices also will be applicable to persons conducting site characterization and assessments with the use of grants awarded under CERCLA section 104(k)(2)(B).