The State Emergency Response Commission, commonly referred to as the "SERC", was created in response to the federal Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) of 1986. The SERC's mission is to carry out duties as required under EPCRA and Connecticut General Statutes, Section 22a-600 through 22a-611, as amended.   The SERC is responsible for implementing federal Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know provisions, overseeing Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) activities and providing training and grant opportunities to the LEPCs.  EPCRA creates a network for emergency planning and ensures that the public has access to community information and resources necessary to prepare for and protect themselves from releases of hazardous and toxic substances.