1. (1) The Legislative Assembly finds that:

   1. (a) The release of a hazardous substance into the environment may present an imminent and substantial threat to the public health, safety, welfare and the environment; and
   2. (b) The threats posed by the release of a hazardous substance can be minimized by prompt identification of facilities and implementation of removal or remedial action.

2. (2) Therefore, the Legislative Assembly declares that:

   1. (a) It is in the interest of the public health, safety, welfare and the environment to provide the means to minimize the hazards of and damages from facilities.

   2. (b) It is the purpose of ORS 465.200 to 465.485 and 465.900 to:

      1. (A) Protect the public health, safety, welfare and the environment; and
      2. (B) Provide sufficient and reliable funding for the Department of Environmental Quality to expediently and effectively authorize, require or undertake removal or remedial action to abate hazards to the public health, safety, welfare and the environment.

[Formerly 466.547]