The legislature finds that the safe transporting, handling, storage, or otherwise caring for radioactive wastes is required to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of the state of Washington. It is the purpose of this chapter to establish authority for the state to exercise appropriate oversight and care for the safe management and disposal of radioactive wastes; to consult with the federal government and other states on interim or permanent storage of these radioactive wastes; and to carry out the state responsibilities under the federal nuclear waste policy act of 1982.