Utah § 19-1-202 - Duties and powers of the executive director.

Full text of Utah Utah Code § 19-1-202 — Duties and powers of the executive director., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 19-1-202. Duties and powers of the executive director.

Effective 7/1/2021
19-1-202.  Duties and powers of the executive director.
(1) The executive director shall:
(a) administer and supervise the department;
(b) coordinate policies and program activities conducted through boards, divisions, and offices of the department;
(c) approve the proposed budget of each board, division, and office within the department;
(d) approve all applications for federal grants or assistance in support of any department program;
(e) with the governor's specific, prior approval, expend funds appropriated by the Legislature necessary for participation by the state in any fund, property, or service provided by the federal government; and
(f) in accordance with Section 19-1-301, appoint one or more administrative law judges to hear an adjudicative proceeding within the department.
(2) The executive director may:
(a) issue orders to enforce state laws and rules established by the department except where the enforcement power is given to a board created under Section 19-1-106, unless the executive director finds that a condition exists that creates a clear and present hazard to the public health or the environment and requires immediate action, and if the enforcement power is vested with a board created under Section 19-1-106, the executive director may with the concurrence of the governor order any person causing or contributing to the condition to reduce, mitigate, or eliminate the condition;
(b) with the approval of the governor, participate in the distribution, disbursement, or administration of any fund or service, advanced, offered, or contributed by the federal government for purposes consistent with the powers and duties of the department;
(c) accept and receive funds and gifts available from private and public groups for the purposes of promoting and protecting the public health and the environment and expend the funds as appropriated by the Legislature;
(d) make policies not inconsistent with law for the internal administration and government of the department, the conduct of its employees, and the custody, use, and preservation of the records, papers, books, documents, and property of the department;
(e) create advisory committees as necessary to assist in carrying out the provisions of this title;
(f) appoint division directors who may be removed at the will of the executive director and who shall be compensated in an amount fixed by the executive director;
(g) advise, consult, and cooperate with other agencies of the state, the federal government, other states and interstate agencies, affected groups, political subdivisions, and industries in carrying out the purposes of this title;
(h) consistent with Title 63A, Chapter 17, Utah State Personnel Management Act, employ employees necessary to meet the requirements of this title;
(i) authorize any employee or representative of the division to conduct inspections as permitted in this title;
(j) encourage, participate in, or conduct any studies, investigations, research, and demonstrations relating to hazardous materials or substances releases necessary to meet the requirements of this title;
(k) collect and disseminate information about hazardous materials or substances releases;
(l) review plans, specifications, or other data relating to hazardous substances releases as provided in this title;
(m) maintain, update not less than annually, and make available to the public a record of sites, by name and location, at which response actions for the protection of the public health and environment under Title 19, Chapter 6, Part 3, Hazardous Substances Mitigation Act, or under Title 19, Chapter 8, Voluntary Cleanup Program, have been completed in the previous calendar year, and those that the department plans to address in the upcoming year pursuant to this title, including if upon completion of the response action the site:
(i) will be suitable for unrestricted use; or
(ii) will be suitable only for restricted use, stating the institutional controls identified in the remedy to which use of the site is subject; and
(n) for purposes of implementing environmental mitigation and response actions:
(i) accept and receive environmental mitigation and response funds from private and public groups, including as a condition of a consent decree, settlement agreement, stipulated agreement, or court order; and
(ii) administer the implementation of environmental mitigation and response actions in accordance with the terms and conditions in which funds were received, including:
(A) disbursing funds to private or public entities, governmental units, state agencies, or Native American tribes;
(B) expending funds to implement environmental mitigation and response actions; and
(C) returning unused funds to the original source of the funds as a condition of receipt of the funds, if applicable.


Amended by Chapter 345, 2021 General Session

Source: official Utah text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Utah § 19-1-202

What does Utah Code § 19-1-202 cover?

Section 19-1-202 ("Duties and powers of the executive director.") is part of the Utah Code, the codified statutory law of Utah. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Utah § 19-1-202?

A common citation format is "Utah Code § 19-1-202" (Utah). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Utah law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Utah official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Utah attorney.

How does Utah § 19-1-202 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Utah can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Utah.