(a) To protect the public health, welfare, and the environment, the legislature declares that it is the policy of the state to encourage toxic pollution prevention. The preferred means of preventing toxic pollution are techniques and processes that are implemented at the source and that minimize the transfer of toxic pollutants from one environmental medium to another.

(b) The legislature intends that the programs developed under sections 115D.01 to 115D.12 shall encourage and lead to a greater awareness of the need for and benefits of toxic pollution prevention, and to a greater degree of cooperation and coordination among all elements of government, industry, and the public in encouraging and carrying out pollution prevention activities.