(b) The commissioner of economic development shall serve as the sole certification officer for businesses seeking certification as a clean energy enterprise. The commissioner of economic development, after consultation with the executive director of the New York state energy research and development authority, shall promulgate regulations governing (i) criteria of eligibility for designation of a clean energy enterprise, (ii) the application process, and (iii) the certification by the commissioner of economic development as to the eligibility of business enterprises for benefits referred to in section nine hundred sixty-six of this article. A business so certified shall be deemed to be eligible for such benefits as if such business were located in an investment zone as defined in paragraph (i) of subdivision (d) of section nine hundred fifty-seven of this article. No such certification shall be made after June thirtieth, two thousand ten.
(c) Such enterprise shall be exempt from the requirements of paragraph (iii) of subdivision (a) of section nine hundred fifty-eight, sections nine hundred sixty-one, nine hundred sixty-two and nine hundred sixty-three of this article.