(a) The department shall formulate and annually review and revise a statewide environmental plan for the management and protection of the quality of the environment and the natural resources of the state, in furtherance of the legislative policy and purposes expressed in this chapter.
(b) The department shall submit the first plan to the governor on or before January 1, 1972, and thereafter submit periodic revisions of the plan to the governor. The plan is effective upon approval by the governor and shall serve thereafter as a guide to the public, the state government and the political subdivisions of the state in the development of the environment and natural resources of the state.
(c) In formulating the plan and any revisions, the department may consult with persons, organizations, and groups, public or private, interested in or concerned with the environment of the state, and with a department, division, board, commission, or other agency of the state, with a political subdivision, or with any public authority as may be necessary to enable the department to carry out its responsibilities under this section.