Article 3. Coordination Of Atomic Energy Development of California Health And Safety Code >> Division 104. >> Part 9. >> Chapter 7. >> Article 3.

The secretary shall perform the liaison function between the state and the federal government, including the United States Atomic Energy Commission, and between this state and other states in matters pertaining to atomic energy development.

The secretary shall coordinate the programs, and regulations of the several departments and agencies of the state and the cities and counties relating to atomic energy development, and shall so far as may be practicable coordinate the studies conducted and the recommendations and proposals made in this state on these subjects with like activities in other states and by the federal government and with the policies and regulations of the United States Atomic Energy Commission. The departments and agencies of the state which are concerned with atomic energy development, and the cities and counties, shall keep the secretary currently informed as to their activities and programs relating to atomic energy development.

No rule or regulation applying to atomic energy development, or amendment thereto or repeal thereof, that any state agency may propose to adopt, unless it is an emergency regulation, shall be noticed under Section 11346.4 of the Government Code prior to 30 days after it has been submitted to the secretary for comments, recommendations, or suggestions as he or she may deem necessary or desirable with respect thereto, unless the secretary in writing waives all or a portion of the 30-day period.

Whenever the secretary determines that an existing or proposed regulation is inconsistent with any regulation of another agency of the state, he or she may, after consultation with the agencies involved, find that the proposed regulation is inconsistent with a regulation of the other agency and shall issue an order to that effect, in which event the proposed rule or regulation shall not become effective. The secretary may, in the alternative, upon a similar determination, direct the appropriate agency to amend or repeal the existing regulation to achieve consistency with the proposed regulation.

The secretary may, when he or she deems necessary or appropriate, recommend to any state department or other state agency the adoption, amendment, or repeal of regulations relating to atomic energy development.

The secretary shall keep the Governor and the various interested state departments and agencies and the cities and counties informed of private and public activities affecting the peacetime uses of atomic energy.

The secretary shall disseminate to the public factual data and information and interpretations thereof concerning atomic energy development and the uses of radiation in the state with the view to providing a reliable source of accurate information relating to the benefits and hazards of such development and uses. Data and information relating to hazards of radiation shall be developed and disseminated in cooperation with the State Department of Health, as provided for in paragraph (3) of subdivision (e) of Section 115000.

The secretary may consult with and seek the advice of technically qualified persons within and without the state to advise on matters relating to atomic energy, particularly with regard to regulations relating to atomic energy development usage.

The department shall keep current information on the permits or licenses issued by the United States Atomic Energy Commission in the state and, along with current information on the radiation sources licensed or registered under the provisions of Section 115060, shall transmit the information upon request to any state department or agency or member of the public.

Nothing contained in this chapter shall impair the authority or jurisdiction of the State Water Resources Control Board or any of the regional water quality control boards in this state to regulate the discharge of waste for the protection of the quality of waters of this state.