Washington state also lacks the technical resources and incentives needed to assist local companies in developing safer processes and products. While the Department of Ecology has a limited technical assistance team, its focus has been on reducing energy and water use rather than on toxic chemicals. To effectively assist businesses in reducing pollution, the state needs a comprehensive program to help local companies develop safer products and reduce toxic chemical use. An effective program would require companies to develop and implement plans to reduce pollution; provide incentives, such as tax cuts, for companies that reduce their use of toxic chemicals; and institute disincentives for pollution, such as fees based on chemical use and releases.