Section 48-43-530 - General powers and duties of department(1) The powers and duties conferred by this article shall be exercised by the Department and shall be deemed to be an essential governmental function in the exercise of the police power of the State. The Department may call upon any other state agency for consultative services and technical advice and the agencies are directed to cooperate with the Department.(2) Registration certificates required under this article shall be issued by the Department subject to such terms and conditions as are set forth in this article and as set forth in rules and regulations promulgated by the Department as authorized herein.(3) Whenever it becomes necessary for the State to protect the public interests under this article it shall be the duty of the Department to keep an accurate record of costs and expenses incurred and thereafter diligently to pursue the recovery of any sums so incurred from the person responsible or from the Government of the United States under any applicable federal act.(4) The Department may bring an action on behalf of the State to enforce the liabilities imposed by this article. The Attorney General shall represent the Department in any such proceeding.1993 Act No. 181, Section 1236; 1977 Act No. 179, Part 2, Section 24.