Section 13-12-4-5 - Directives To the fullest extent possible:
(1) the policies, rules, and statutes of the state shall be interpreted and administered in accordance with the policies set forth in this chapter; and(2) all state agencies shall do the following:(A) Use a systematic, interdisciplinary approach that will ensure the integrated use of the natural and social sciences and the environmental design arts in planning and decision making that may have an impact on the environment.(B) Identify and develop methods and procedures that will ensure that unquantified environmental amenities and values may be given appropriate consideration in decision making along with economic and technical considerations.(C) Include in every recommendation or report on proposals for legislation and other major state actions significantly affecting the quality of the human environment a detailed statement by the responsible official on the following:(i) The environmental impact of the proposed action.(ii) Any adverse environmental effects that cannot be avoided should the proposal be implemented.(iii) Alternatives to the proposed action.(iv) The relationship between local short term uses of the environment and the maintenance and enhancement of long term productivity.(v) Any irreversible and irretrievable commitments of resources that would be involved if the proposed action should be implemented. Before making a detailed statement, the responsible state official shall consult with and obtain the comments of each state agency that has jurisdiction by law or special expertise with respect to any environmental impact involved. Copies of the statement and the comments and views of the appropriate federal, state, and local agencies that are authorized to develop and enforce environmental standards shall be made available to the governor and to the public and must accompany the proposal through the agency review processes. The board shall by rule define the actions that constitute a major state action significantly affecting the quality of the human environment.
(D) Study, develop, and describe appropriate alternatives to recommend courses of action in any proposal that involves unresolved conflicts concerning alternative uses of available resources.(E) Recognize the long range character of environmental problems and, where consistent with the policy of the state, lend appropriate support to initiatives, resolutions, and programs designed to maximize state cooperation in anticipating and preventing a decline in the quality of the environment.(F) Make available to counties, municipalities, institutions, and individuals advice and information useful in restoring, maintaining, and enhancing the quality of the environment.(G) Initiate and use ecological information in the planning and development of resource oriented projects.Pre-1996 Recodification Citation: 13-1-10-3.
Amended by P.L. 133-2012, SEC. 71, eff. 1/1/2013.As added by P.L. 1-1996, SEC.2.