[§342B-3]  General functions, duties, andpowers of the director.  (a)  In addition to any other power or dutyprescribed by law and in this chapter, the director shall prevent, control, andabate air pollution and the emission of air pollutants in the State.

(b)  In the discharge of the duty described insubsection (a) the director may adopt, amend, and repeal state rulescontrolling and prohibiting air pollution and the release of air pollutants oras otherwise necessary for the purposes of this chapter.

(c)  In addition to other specific powersprovided in this chapter, the director may appoint, without regard to chapter76, hearings officers to conduct contested case hearings and publicparticipation activities, including public hearings and public informationalmeetings. [L 1992, c 240, pt of §1; am L 2000, c 253, §150]