The legislature recognizes and declares it to be the policy of this state, that it is a fundamental and inalienable right of the people of the state of Washington to live in a healthful and pleasant environment and to benefit from the proper development and use of its natural resources. The legislature further recognizes that as the population of our state grows, the need to provide for our increasing industrial, agricultural, residential, social, recreational, economic and other needs will place an increasing responsibility on all segments of our society to plan, coordinate, restore and regulate the utilization of our natural resources in a manner that will protect and conserve our clean air, our pure and abundant waters, and the natural beauty of the state.

Savings—Other powers and rights not affected—Permits, standards, not affected—1970 ex.s. c 62: "The provisions of this act shall not impair or supersede the powers or rights of any person, committee, association, public, municipal or private corporations, state or local governmental agency, federal agency, or political subdivision of the state of Washington under any other law except as specifically provided herein. Pollution control permits, water quality standards, air pollution permits, air quality standards, and permits for disposal of solid waste materials of this state are not changed hereby and the laws governing the same are to be protected and preserved." [ 1970 ex.s. c 62 s 61.]

Effective date—1970 ex.s. c 62: "This 1970 amendatory act shall take effect on July 1, 1970." [ 1970 ex.s. c 62 s 64.]

Severability—1970 ex.s. c 62: "If any provision of this 1970 amendatory act, or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act, or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances, shall not be affected." [ 1970 ex.s. c 62 s 65.]