§ 46-12.7-1 - Purpose.
SECTION 46-12.7-1
§ 46-12.7-1 Purpose. – The legislature finds and declares that the release of oil or hazardoussubstances into the environment presents a real and substantial threat to thepublic health and welfare, to the environment, and to the economy of the state.The legislature therefore concludes that it is in the best interest of thestate and its citizens to provide a readily available fund for the payment ofexpenses that the department of environmental management incurs in theprotection of the environment of the state from the release of oil. Thelegislature further recognizes the considerable hardships which may be incurredby the citizens of the state as a direct result of the release of oil into theenvironment, and therefore the legislature concludes that it is in the bestinterest of the state to expand the scope of the fund to allow claims fromcitizens, in certain instances, and to provide for the disbursal of emergencyloans from the fund. The legislature lastly concludes that preparedness is anessential component of prevention of and response to oil spill events and,therefore, the purpose of the fund shall be further expanded to supportactivities which will directly benefit the state in the event of future oilspill events.