(a) Beginning on July 1, 2004, to the extent that funds are appropriated by the Legislature for this purpose, the office, on behalf of the office of the secretary, shall develop and maintain a system of environmental indicators. The office shall develop and maintain the system to meet all of the following objectives for using environmental indicators:

1. (1) Provide policymakers and the public with an improved understanding of the condition of the state’s environment and the effects of the release of contaminants on public health and the environment.
2. (2) Provide policymakers and the public with information to evaluate the effectiveness of the agency’s programs in improving environmental quality and protecting public health throughout the state, including environmental quality and public health in low-income communities and communities of color.
3. (3) Assist in the development and modification of agency programs, plans, and policies as environmental conditions change over time.
4. (4) Assist the agency in making budget decisions that address the most significant environmental concerns.

(b) The following definitions apply to this section:

1. (1) “Agency” means the California Environmental Protection Agency.
2. (2) “Environmental indicator” means an objective and scientifically based measure that represents information on environmental conditions, releases of contaminants into the environment, or the effects of those releases.
3. (3) “Office” means the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment.
4. (4) “Secretary” means the Secretary for Environmental Protection.