The board may establish a research and development program, based on priorities that are consistent with Section 40051, and designed to identify, develop, and refine processes and technologies that will assist state and local governments and private industries to implement innovative resource management and waste reduction programs. The board may conduct research and development programs, upon appropriation therefor by the Legislature, that include, but are not limited to, all of the following:

(a) Establishing, in coordination with the Department of Conservation, a recycling extension service within the board to serve as a central clearinghouse for recycling research information.

(b) Establishing cooperative research and development facilities at universities and colleges in the state.

(c) Developing a research program to study the feasibility of using disposal site mining technology to extend the life of existing disposal sites, recover valuable resources, and to reuse the reclaimed disposal site in an environmentally sound manner.

(d) Establishing a research program to identify educational and promotional methods that can effect environmentally positive changes in human behavior.

(e) Conducting studies into hazards posed by special wastes and by ash and air emissions from the incineration of waste.

(f) Conducting research to develop statistical tools to establish computer-based data bases on waste characteristics, special waste volumes, and county and regional waste capacities.

(g) Analyzing disposal site encroachment problems and assisting local agencies in the development of effective public policy tools to discourage disposal site encroachment.

(Amended by Stats. 1996, Ch. 1038, Sec. 29. Effective September 29, 1996.)