There is established a program to encourage and improve regional and local solid waste management planning activities and efforts and to further the state policies and purposes expressed in section 115A.02. The program under sections 115A.42 to 115A.46 is administered by the commissioner pursuant to rules promulgated under chapter 14, except in the metropolitan area where the program is administered by the commissioner pursuant to section 473.149. The commissioner shall ensure conformance with federal requirements and programs established pursuant to the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976 and amendments thereto.