RS 1 - Department established; appointment of commissioners; term; vacancies; jurisdiction; salary
A. There is established the state Department of Conservation, hereinafter referred to as the department. The department shall be directed and controlled by a commissioner of conservation, who shall be appointed by the governor, with the consent of the Senate, for a term of four years. In case of vacancy for any cause the governor shall, with consent of the Senate, fill the office by appointment for the unexpired term.
B. Notwithstanding the provisions of any other law to the contrary, the salary of the commissioner of conservation shall be fixed by the governor.
C. All natural resources of the state not within the jurisdiction of other state departments or agencies are within the jurisdiction of the department.
D. The disposal of any waste product into the subsurface by means of a disposal well and the regulation of all surface and storage waste facilities incidental to oil and gas exploration and production, shall be within the jurisdiction of the department.
Amended by Acts 1959, No. 100, §1; Acts 1965, No. 53, §3; Acts 1970, No. 20, §1; Acts 1975, No. 388, §1; Acts 1976, No. 116, §1; Acts 1976, No. 122, §1; Acts 1978, No. 681, §1, eff. July 12, 1978; Acts 1979, No. 379, §1.