[§342B-17]  Air quality modelers.  The department may establish permanent exempt positions known as air quality modelers for the purpose of assessing the impact of air releases.  The positions shall be appointed by the director without regard to chapter 76.  The funds for these positions shall come from the clean air special fund established in section 342B-32. [L 1997, c 146, §3; am L 2000, c 253, §150]