Opinion ID: 2382431
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: The Secretary lacked authority to revoke the permits.

Text: Formosa contends, and the Department acknowledges, that the Act does not confer any specific power upon the Secretary to revoke these licenses. Thus, it is argued that the Secretary's action was wholly improper. Generally, the authority to grant a license includes the power of revocation whether it is expressly or impliedly reserved by statute. Carroll v. Tarburton, Del.Super., 209 A.2d 86 (1965); 53 C.J.S. Licenses § 44 (1948); 51 Am.Jur.2d Licenses and Permits § 58 (1970); Bartlett v. State Real Estate Commission, Neb.Supr., 188 Neb. 828, 199 N.W.2d 709 (1972); Arrow Express Forwarding Co. v. Iowa State Commerce Comm., Ia.Supr., 256 Iowa 1088, 130 N.W.2d 451 (1964). That principle clearly applies here. While there is no express statutory right to revoke these permits, the Secretary nevertheless has substantial enforcement responsibilities supporting his ultimate power of revocation. Without any modification or limitation upon his powers and duties, the Act provides that: (a) The Secretary shall enforce this chapter. 7 Del.C. § 6005(a). The terms of this statute are broad and plenary. We construe them as the imposition of an emphatic duty and a conferral of all necessary concomitant powers to give full force and effect to the clear legislative mandate of the Act. [4] Moreover, the Secretary's regulatory powers are specific. Under 7 Del.C. § 6010(a) he may adopt, amend, modify or repeal rules or regulations, or plans ... to effectuate the policy and purposes of [the Act]. By virtue of that power the Secretary has promulgated regulations governing the control of air pollution. Among their provisions are specific standards limiting vinyl chloride emissions from polyvinyl chloride plants. Likewise, the Secretary has adopted regulations governing the control of water pollution. All of Formosa's permits are issued pursuant to, are consistent with, and make specific reference to, the applicable provisions of those regulations. A further ground for our conclusion, respecting the Secretary's authority to revoke permits, is his unquestioned power to impose reasonable conditions upon their issuance. Thus, [W]hoever violates ... any condition of a permit issued pursuant to § 6003 of this title ... shall be punishable... 7 Del.C. § 6005(b). Any person who willfully or negligently ... violates any condition or limitation included in a permit issued pursuant to § 6003 of this title ... 7 Del.C. § 6013(a). The Secretary shall have the power to issue an order to any person violating any ... permit condition... to cease and desist from such violation... 7 Del.C. § 6018. By § 6005(b), those who violate the chapter, rules or regulations thereunder, or conditions of a permit, may be fined or enjoined if the violations are continuing, or where there is a substantial likelihood a violation will recur, the Secretary may seek an injunction. Section 6013 imposes criminal penalties for willful or negligent violations of Section 6003, or of a condition or limitation in a permit issued pursuant to Section 6003. In our opinion the authority to place such reasonable conditions upon the issuance of permits also confers a rectifying power to revoke them when the conditions are violated. Not only is this consistent with common sense, but it gives proper effect to the clear legislative mandate of 7 Del.C. § 6020 that the Act be liberally construed to achieve its purpose: This chapter, being necessary for the welfare of the State and its inhabitants, shall be liberally construed in order to preserve the land, air and water resources of the State. 7 Del.C. § 6020. Although we recognize that broad and pervasive powers repose in the Secretary, it is not to be overlooked that procedural safeguards and fairness must accompany their exercise. This is essential in marking the difference between rule by law and rule by whim or caprice. Joint Anti-Fascist Refugee Committee v. McGrath, 341 U.S. 123, 179, 71 S.Ct. 624, 652, 95 L.Ed. 817 (1951).