Texas Health and Safety Code 427.003 – Purposes
The purposes of the institute are to:
(1) develop a statewide plan to identify health conditions, related or potentially related to environmental contamination, of residents of this state who live or have lived within the immediately surrounding area of a federal superfund site or a state superfund site;
(2) develop a plan to promote and protect the health and safety of residents in immediately surrounding areas by preventing or reducing their health risks from exposure to chemical and biological contaminants, radioactive materials, and other hazards in the environment and the workplace;
(3) develop a plan for informing and educating citizens in immediately surrounding areas about the identified health risks and ways to prevent or reduce exposure;
(4) identify private and federal funding opportunities for institute operations; and
(5) conduct, coordinate, or pursue funding for research concerning short-term and long-term impacts of exposure to environmental contamination.