§234. Powers and duties of secretary of environmental quality

A. In addition to the functions, powers, and duties otherwise vested in the secretary by law, he shall:

(1) Represent the public interest in the administration of this Chapter and be responsible to the governor, the legislature, and the public therefor.

(2) Determine the policies of the department, except as otherwise provided by this Title.

(3) In accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act, make, alter, amend, and promulgate rules and regulations necessary for the administration of the functions of the department, except as otherwise provided by this Title.

(4) Organize, plan, supervise, direct, administer, execute, and be responsible for the functions and programs vested in the department in the manner and to the extent provided by this Title.

(5) Manage the personnel, develop information systems and data processing systems, manage facilities and space as provided by law, and employ such personnel or enter into such contracts as are necessary for the efficient and effective operation of the department.

(6) Develop programs of environmental and resource preservation research and study and develop programs of research into technology utilization, pollution prevention and control, and health effects of pollution.

(7) Develop programs of training and development of all personnel to improve the ability of personnel to fulfill their duties and functions.

(8) Develop programs of public information and education regarding environmental problems, developments, hazards, or programs.

(9) Establish programs to monitor and analyze emissions into the air, water, or land and to provide current and accurate information to the public regarding the pollutants or contaminants which are present in the environment.

(10) Advise the governor on problems concerning the administration of the department.

(11) Grant or deny permits, licenses, variances, or compliance schedules as are provided for by law or delegate these powers to the appropriate assistant secretary. The authority to execute minor permit actions, to issue registrations, certifications, notices of deficiency, and notification of inclusion under a general permit may be delegated by the secretary or the appropriate assistant secretary to an authorized representative, notwithstanding the provisions of R.S. 30:2050.26.

(12) Make and publish an annual report to the governor and the legislature concerning the operations of the department and submit with each report such recommendations as he deems necessary for the more effective internal structure and administration of the department and make other reports and recommendations on its own initiative or upon request of the governor, the legislature, or any committee or member thereof.

(13) Provide for the ongoing merger and consolidation of the agencies and functions transferred to his department and submit a report thereon to the governor and the legislature, which report shall accompany the budget request which he submits under provisions of R.S. 39:33. Such report shall include a statement of the goals of the department and of the programs thereof and shall summarize the accomplishments of the department in meeting such goals and implementing such programs. The report shall also contain a specific statement of the reorganization and consolidation plan for the department for the next year and shall include a report on the implementation of such reorganization and consolidation plan for the previous year. The report concerning reorganization shall specifically detail the extent to which the department has achieved goals stated the previous year with respect to merger and consolidation of functions, abolition of agencies, consolidation of offices, elimination of job positions, and efficiency and economy in delivery of services. The report shall contain any recommendations with respect to reorganization which may require legislative action under the provisions of this Title. A copy of the report and recommended legislation shall also be submitted by the secretary to the presiding officer of each house of the legislature. The presiding officer shall refer the report to the appropriate committee having jurisdiction of the subject matter as provided in the rules of the respective house.

(14)(a) On an annual basis, provide all of the following information to the legislature no later than fifteen days prior to the convening of each regular session:

(i) A full organizational chart for the department which is current as of the date of submission to the legislature and which shows each staff position, whether filled or vacant, that comprises the department.

(ii) The current salary of the person occupying each filled position shown on the organizational chart.

(b) The secretary may submit the annual report required by this Paragraph in electronic format and is further authorized, but is not required, to submit the report at the time of submission of the annual report required by Paragraph (12) of this Subsection.

B. The secretary shall have authority to:

(1) Except as otherwise specifically provided in R.S. 36:801 and R.S. 36:803:

(a) Employ, appoint, remove, assign, and promote such personnel as is necessary for the efficient administration of the executive office of the secretary and the performance of its powers, duties, functions, and responsibilities and such other personnel, who are not assigned to an office, as may be necessary for the efficient administration of the department and for the performance of the responsibilities, powers, duties, and functions of agencies transferred to it;

(b) Employ, assign, and remove all personnel employed for the department on a contractual basis; and

(c) Transfer the personnel of the department as necessary for the efficient administration of the department and its programs.

All of the above are to be accomplished in accordance with applicable civil service law, rules, and regulations, and with policies and rules of the Department of Environmental Quality, and all are subject to budgetary control and applicable laws.

(2) Appoint, subject to gubernatorial approval, advisory councils, boards, and commissions necessary in the administration of the department, except as otherwise provided by law or by executive order.

(3) Accept and use, in accordance with law, gifts, grants, bequests, and endowments for purposes consistent with the responsibilities and functions of the department and take such actions as are necessary to comply with any conditions required for such acceptance.

(4) Formulate and promulgate rules of administration for the department relating to employment and management.

(5) Do such other things not inconsistent with law as are necessary to perform properly the functions vested in him.

Added by Acts 1983, No. 97, §2, eff. Feb. 1, 1984; Acts 1987, No. 736, §1; Acts 1999, No. 303, §2, eff. June 14, 1999; Acts 2013, No. 220, §14, eff. June 11, 2013; Acts 2016, No. 557, §2.