(a)      The head of the Department is the Secretary of the Environment, who shall be appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate.

      (b)      (1)      The Secretary serves at the pleasure of the Governor and is responsible directly to the Governor. The Secretary shall advise the Governor on all matters assigned to the Department and is responsible for carrying out the Governor's policies on these matters.

            (2)      The Secretary is responsible for the operation of the Department and shall establish guidelines and procedures to promote the orderly and efficient administration of the Department. The Secretary may establish, reorganize, or abolish areas of responsibility in the Department as necessary to fulfill the duties assigned to the Secretary.

            (3)      The Secretary shall establish the general policy for and adopt standards to promote and guide the development of the environmental services of the State.

            (4)      The Secretary is responsible for the environmental interests of the people of the State and shall supervise generally the administration of the environmental laws of the State.

      (c)      The Secretary is entitled to the salary provided in the State budget.