Sec.22a-1-2. Purpose and functions

(a) The Department of Environmental Protection was created to implement the environmental policy of the state, as declared by the General Assembly and expressed in the General Statutes. This policy is to conserve, improve and protect the natural resources and environment of Connecticut and to control air, land and water pollution in order to enhance the health, safety and welfare of the people of Connecticut. It is further this policy to improve and coordinate environmental plans, functions, powers and programs among state, federal, regional and local governments, other public and private organizations, and concerned individuals; and to manage the basic resources of air, land and water in order that the state may fulfill its responsibility as trustee of the environment for the present and future generations.

(b) In accordance with this policy directive and the authority of the General Statutes, the department performs a wide variety of research, educational, management, standard-setting, monitoring, licensing, and enforcement activities. In addition, the department supports and coordinates research and pollution control activities by local government agencies, private and public groups, individuals and educational institutions. The department also acts as the official agent of the state in most matters affecting the natural environment under applicable federal laws, and as the official agent of local and regional authorities concerning the grant or advance of many federal or other funds or credits to the state or to its political subdivisions.

(c) The activities of the department reflect a recognition that the natural environment and the life forms it supports exist in a delicate, interrelated and complex balance. The department seeks to encourage social and economic development in Connecticut in a manner which preserves this balance.

(Effective October 19, 1972)