It is declared to be the public policy in the state of Rhode Island to preserve, protect, and improve the air resources of the state to promote the public health, welfare, and safety, to prevent injury or detriment to human, plant, and animal life, physical property and other resources, and to foster the comfort and convenience of the state’s inhabitants. The director is authorized to exercise all powers, direct or incidental, necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter to assure that the state of Rhode Island complies with the federal Clean Air Act, 42 U.S.C. § 7401 et seq., and retains maximum control under this chapter, and receives all desired federal grants, aid, and other benefits.