(a) It is found and determined by the General Assembly that the operation of nuclear generating facilities in this state raises the possibility of adverse health and ecological effects which could result from radiological incidents or accidents at those facilities and that it is essential to the health and welfare of the citizens of this state and particularly those in close proximity to the facilities that a program be initiated to provide for continuous environmental surveillance in the area of nuclear generating facilities and to initiate and formulate plans and procedures for immediate emergency response capability in the event of an accident or incident which might endanger the lives or property of persons.
(b) The General Assembly further determines that it is appropriate that the utility operating the facilities bear the cost associated with preparing and implementing plans to deal with the effects of nuclear accidents or incidents.
(c) Therefore, it is the purpose and intent of this subchapter to initiate a program to deal with this matter and to charge the Department of Health with the responsibility of carrying out the program and to provide for funding the program through fees or assessments against utilities operating nuclear generating facilities.