Because of existing and increasing accidents, incidents, and events involving hazardous and toxic materials in transport, manufacturing, storage, refining, and usage and because of federal mandates imposed upon state and local governments under the provisions of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act of 1986, 42 U.S.C. § 11001 et seq., it is found and declared to be necessary to:
(1) Create a State Hazardous Materials Emergency Response Commission which shall be empowered to take the necessary actions and activities required under state and federal laws, rules, and regulations related to emergency planning, training, response, and recovery activities for hazardous and toxic materials;
(2) Administer the provisions of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act of 1986, 42 U.S.C. § 11001 et seq.; and
(3) Authorize the commission to investigate, review, implement, and manage such standards and requirements as may be needed for the certification of public emergency responders and other related emergency personnel as may be subject to emergency response and recovery actions related to hazardous and toxic materials incidents, accidents, or events.