(a) This chapter establishes a program through which an applicant may voluntarily apply to the department to carry out partial removal of the structure.

(b) The program established pursuant to this chapter shall be deemed consistent with, and part of, the California Artificial Reef Program pursuant to Article 2 (commencing with Section 6420) of Chapter 5 for purposes of compliance with federal law including the National Fishing Enhancement Act of 1984.

(c) Except as specified in Section 6604, the department shall serve as the primary authority for carrying out the program, including review and approval of applications to partially remove an offshore oil structure in state or federal waters and management and operation of decommissioned offshore oil structures in state or federal waters approved pursuant to this chapter.

(d) Final approval of an application shall not be granted until the applicant complies with all requirements of the chapter, including the payment of all costs to the state to review and approve the proposed project as required by subdivision (b) of Section 6612 and the transmittal of the required portion of cost savings to the endowment and other parties as required by Section 6618.

(e) The department may obtain funds for the planning, development, maintenance, and operation of an offshore oil structure transferred to the department pursuant to this chapter and may accept gifts, subventions, grants, rebates, reimbursements, and subsidies from any lawful source.

(f) The department may adopt regulations to implement this chapter.

(Added by Stats. 2010, Ch. 687, Sec. 1. (AB 2503) Effective January 1, 2011.)