The Division of Environmental Protection is hereby designated as the state underground storage tank program lead agency for purposes of Subtitle I and is hereby authorized to take all actions necessary or appropriate to secure to this state the benefits of said legislation. In carrying out the purposes of this article, the director is hereby authorized to cooperate with the United States environmental protection agency, other agencies of the federal government, agencies of this state or other states, and other interested persons in all matters relating to underground storage tank regulation.