### Question
What does owner or operator mean?


### Answer
**Owner or operator** has the following meaning in *42 U.S.C. § 9601*:

> (i) in the case of a vessel, any person owning, operating, or chartering by demise, such vessel, (ii) in the case of an onshore facility or an offshore facility, any person owning or operating such facility, and (iii) in the case of any facility, title or control of which was conveyed due to bankruptcy, foreclosure, tax delinquency, abandonment, or similar means to a unit of State or local government, any person who owned, operated, or otherwise controlled activities at such facility immediately beforehand

#### Citation:
  - *42 U.S.C. § 9601*
  - Heading: **CHAPTER 103-COMPREHENSIVE ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSE, COMPENSATION, AND LIABILITY > SUBCHAPTER I-HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES RELEASES, LIABILITY, COMPENSATION**

