### Question
How does COMPREHENSIVE ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSE, COMPENSATION, AND LIABILITY define owner or operator?


### Answer
Under *42 U.S.C. § 9601*, **owner or operator** is defined as:

> such common carrier or other bona fide for hire carrier acting as an independent contractor during such transportation, (ii) the shipper of such hazardous substance shall not be considered to have caused or contributed to any release during such transportation which resulted solely from circumstances or conditions beyond his control.

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

