There shall be a secretary of environmental quality who shall be appointed by the governor with consent of the Senate and who shall serve at the pleasure of the governor at a salary fixed by the governor, which salary shall not exceed the amount approved for such position by the legislature while in session.  The secretary shall serve as the executive head and chief administrative officer of the Department of Environmental Quality and shall have the responsibility for the policies of the department, except as otherwise provided by this Title, and for the administration, control, and operation of the functions, programs, and affairs of the department; however, the secretary shall perform his functions under the general control and supervision of the governor.  

Added by Acts 1983, No. 97, §2, eff. Feb. 1, 1984.