In addition to other powers conferred on it by law, the commission shall have power to:
(1) Hold hearings relating to any aspect of or matter in the administration of this chapter and, in connection therewith, compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of evidence through subpoena, as provided in this chapter;
(2) Issue such orders as may be necessary to effectuate the purposes of this chapter and enforce the same by all appropriate administrative and judicial proceedings;
(3) Require access to records relating to emissions which cause or contribute to air contamination;
(4) Secure necessary scientific, technical, administrative and operational services, including laboratory facilities, by contract or otherwise;
(5) Prepare and develop a comprehensive plan or plans for the prevention, abatement and control of air pollution in this state;
(6) Encourage voluntary cooperation by persons and affected groups to achieve the purposes of this chapter;
(7) Encourage and conduct studies, investigations and research relating to air contamination and air pollution and their causes, effects, prevention, abatement and control;
(8) Determine by means of field studies and sampling the degree of air contamination and air pollution in the state and the several parts thereof;
(9) Make a continuing study of the effects of the emission of air contaminants from motor vehicles on the quality of the outdoor atmosphere of this state, and the several parts thereof, and make recommendations to appropriate public and private bodies with respect thereto;
(10) Collect and disseminate information and conduct educational and training programs relating to air contamination and air pollution;
(11) Advise, consult, contract and cooperate with other agencies of the state, local governments, industries, other states, interstate or interlocal agencies, and the federal government and with interested persons or groups;
(12) Consult, upon request, with any person proposing to construct, install or otherwise acquire an air contaminant source or device or system for the control thereof concerning the efficacy of such device or system or the air pollution problem which may be related to the source, device or system. Nothing in any such consultation shall be construed to relieve any person from compliance with this chapter, rules and regulations in force pursuant thereto or any other provision of law;
(13) Accept, receive and administer grants or other funds or gifts from public and private agencies, including the federal government, for the purpose of carrying out any of the functions of this chapter. Such funds received by the commission pursuant to this section shall be deposited in the State Treasury to the account of the commission. In addition to the authority to accept, receive and administer grants or other funds from the federal government, the commission is hereby designated as the State Air Pollution Control Agency for the purposes of the Federal Clean Air Act, as amended;
(14) Provide for the performance by its officers and employees, in the name of the commission, of any act or duty necessary or incidental to the administration of this chapter; and
(15) Provide for the establishment of advisory committees, appointment of the membership of such committees, scope of investigation and other duties of such committees. The period of duration of such committees and the terms of members of such committees shall be established by the commission. No salary or compensation shall be allowed any member of such committees for services thereon. Travel, subsistence and other expenses incurred by members of such committees in the discharge of their official duties as members of such committees, and when approved by the chairman or the director, by direction of the commission shall be paid at the rate allowed other state employees as provided by Article 2 of Chapter 7 of Title 36 of this Code from any funds which are, or may become, available for the purpose of this chapter.
Last modified: May 3, 2021