(a) When preparing the Initial Statement of Reasons, the Department shall evaluate proposed regulations for consistency with the Department's enabling legislation. The Department's evaluation shall be set forth in writing in the Initial Statement of Reasons.

(b) When evaluating proposed regulations, the Department shall utilize an interdisciplinary approach that will ensure the integrated use of the natural and social sciences in decision making, consistent with the environmental protection purposes of the Department's enabling statute. The evaluation shall address both short-term and long-term effects on the environment, and shall also address growth-inducing effects and any potential cumulative effects.

(c) Any proposed regulations for which significant adverse environmental effects have been identified during the review process shall not be approved or adopted as proposed if there are feasible mitigation measures or feasible alternatives available which would avoid or substantially lessen any significant adverse effect which the proposed regulations may have on the environment, in accordance with Public Resources Code section 21081.

(d) If the analysis identifies significant adverse environmental effects for which feasible mitigation measures are not available, it shall also include a statement describing any specific environmental, economic, legal, social, technological, or other benefits which might justify the significant environmental effects of the proposed regulations.

(e) In addition to meeting the requirements of Government Code section 11346.9(a)(3), if comments are received from other public agencies and members of the public during the evaluation process which raise significant environmental points, the Department shall summarize and respond to such comments in writing prior to taking final action on the proposed regulations and such written responses shall be included in the record of the rulemaking proceeding.