49-456. Technical assistance for small business; compliance advisory panel

A. After reasonable notice and a public hearing, the director shall submit to the administrator a plan establishing a small business stationary source technical and compliance assistance program consistent with and equivalent to the plan required under section 507 of the clean air act.

B. A compliance advisory panel is established consisting of seven members who are appointed for staggered five-year terms as follows:

1. Two members who are appointed by the governor to represent the general public and who are not owners or representatives of owners of small business stationary sources.

2. Two members who are appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives and who are owners or who represent owners of small business stationary sources.

3. Two members who are appointed by the president of the senate and who are owners or who represent owners of small business stationary sources.

4. One member who is appointed by the director of the department of environmental quality to represent the department.

C. The panel shall:

1. Advise the director on the effectiveness of the small business stationary source technical and environmental compliance assistance program operated pursuant to this section and any such program operated by a county, including the identification of difficulties encountered and the degree and severity of enforcement.

2. Make periodic reports to the director and administrator concerning the compliance of the small business stationary source technical and environmental compliance assistance program operated pursuant to this section and any such program operated by a county with the requirements of the paperwork reduction act (P.L. 96-511; 20 United States Code section 1221), the regulatory flexibility act (P.L. 96-354; 5 United States Code section 601) and the equal access to justice act (P.L. 96-481; 5 United States Code section 504).

3. Review information developed by the department and any county for small business stationary sources to assure that the information is understandable by the general public and advise the director of its findings.

4. Have staff from the small business stationary source technical and environmental compliance assistance program to develop and disseminate reports and advisory opinions.