Purposes

The purpose of this title is to: (1) clarify the powers and duties of the Department of Environmental Quality in relationship to local health departments; (2) provide effective, coordinated management of state environmental concerns; (3) safeguard public health and quality of life by protecting and improving environmental quality while considering the benefits to public health, the impacts on economic development, property, wildlife, tourism, business, agriculture, forests, and other interests, and the costs to the public and to industry; (4) strengthen local health departments' environmental programs; (5) promote coordination and cooperation between the Department of Environmental Quality and local health departments; (6) build consensus among the public, industry, and local governments in developing environmental protection goals; and (7) appropriately balance the need for environmental protection with the need for economic and industrial development.