(a) It shall recommend to the authority, in accordance with the hazardous waste management category determination as provided in Section 49-29-7, the technology and design capacity for each component of the state commercial hazardous waste management facility operated under this chapter.

(b) It shall develop criteria and methodology for selecting sites for the state hazardous waste management facility.

(c) It shall actively seek volunteer communities interested in hosting the state commercial hazardous waste management facility.

(d) It shall implement the site selection criteria and the site selection methodology to determine three (3) candidate sites for the state commercial hazardous waste management facility. The determination shall be made in writing to the Hazardous Waste Facility Siting Authority. Priority shall be given to the evaluation of potential sites located on state-owned property and in communities volunteering to host the state commercial hazardous waste management facility. If the site is to be located on state-owned land, then the site shall consist of a tract of land of not less than three hundred (300) acres owned by the state on March 31, 1990, but it shall not be necessary for the entire tract to be used in the operation of the facility.

(e) It may request information and assistance from any state agency which has data or expertise which would assist the committee in the identification of sites, provided that no agency which has authority to issue a license or permit for the construction or operation of the facility shall participate in the site selection process in any way that would result in an actual or apparent conflict of interest.

(f) It may conduct, or cause to be conducted, any studies, analyses or evaluations.

(g) It may apply and contract for and accept any grants or gifts in furtherance of the activities of the committee.

(h) It may enter into contracts and do all acts necessary, convenient or desirable to carry out any power expressly granted to the committee under this chapter. All contracts shall be executed by the Department of Finance and Administration subject to final approval by the committee.

(i) It shall conduct such public meetings or hearings as may be necessary or appropriate and make a permanent record thereof, in furtherance of the activities of the committee.