(1) Serve as the initial agency in this state to be contacted by the United States Department of Energy or any other federal agency on any matter related to the long-term disposal of high-level radioactive waste and other issues related to the Hanford Nuclear Reservation.
(2) Serve as the initial agency in this state to receive any report, study, document, information or notification of proposed plans from the federal government on any matter related to the long-term disposal of high-level radioactive waste or other issues related to the Hanford Nuclear Reservation. Notification of proposed plans includes notification of proposals to conduct field work, on-site evaluation or on-site testing.
(3) Disseminate or arrange with the United States Department of Energy or other federal agency to disseminate the information received under subsection (2) of this section to appropriate state agencies, local governments, regional planning commissions, American Indian tribal governing bodies, the general public and interested citizen groups who have requested in writing to receive this information.
(4) Recommend to the Governor and Legislative Assembly appropriate responses to contacts under subsection (1) of this section and information received under subsection (2) of this section if a response is appropriate. The board shall consult with the appropriate state agency, local government, regional planning commission, American Indian tribal governing body, the general public and interested citizen groups in preparing this response.
(5) Promote and coordinate educational programs which provide information on the nature of high-level radioactive waste, the long-term disposal of this waste, the activities of the board, the activities of the United States Department of Energy and any other federal agency related to the long-term disposal of high-level radioactive waste or other issues related to the Hanford Nuclear Reservation and the opportunities of the public to participate in procedures and decisions related to this waste.
(6) Review any application to the United States Department of Energy or other federal agency by a state agency, local government or regional planning commission for funds for any program related to the long-term disposal of high-level radioactive waste or other issues related to the Hanford Nuclear Reservation. If the board finds that the application is not consistent with the state’s policy related to such issue or that the application is not in the best interest of the state, the board shall forward its findings to the Governor and the appropriate legislative committee. If the board finds that the application of a state agency is not consistent with the state’s policy related to long-term disposal of high-level radioactive waste or that the application of a state agency is not in the best interest of the state, the findings forwarded to the Governor and legislative committee shall include a recommendation that the Governor act to stipulate conditions for the acceptance of the funds which are necessary to safeguard the interests of the state.
(7) Monitor activity in Congress and the federal government related to the long-term disposal of high-level radioactive waste and other issues related to the Hanford Nuclear Reservation.
(8) If appropriate, advise the Governor and the Legislative Assembly to request the Attorney General to intervene in federal proceedings to protect the state’s interests and present the state’s point of view on matters related to the long-term disposal of high-level radioactive waste or other issues related to the Hanford Nuclear Reservation.
(9) Coordinate with appropriate counterparts and agencies in the State of Washington. [1987 c.514 §7; 1991 c.562 §4; 2001 c.104 §207]
Note: See note under 469.566.