4598.9. To carry out this article and to facilitate participation in the program authorized by this article, the board may promulgate regulations, guidelines, or publications the board deems appropriate. Regulations promulgated by the board may be adopted as emergency regulations. Regulations or emergency regulations adopted pursuant to this section shall be adopted in accordance with the rulemaking provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act (Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code). The adoption of emergency regulations shall be deemed an emergency and necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, and safety, or general welfare. The regulations, guidelines, or publications shall be submitted to the board for review or approval. Regulations, guidelines, or publications shall specify all of the following:
(a) Criteria to determine timberlands that have demonstrated potential for increased carbon sequestration and fire protection benefits and, therefore, the landowners of those lands may be eligible to enter into agreements or receive grant funds under Section 4598.5.
(b) Guidelines further specifying the scope of projects for which agreements may be entered into or grants made pursuant to this article.
(c) Factors to be considered and information to be included in proposals submitted pursuant to Section 4598.8.
(d) A standard application form for proposals submitted pursuant to Section 4598.8.
(e) Guidelines for evaluation and approval of proposals to enter into agreements or receive grant funds under Section 4598.5.
(f) Metrics for evaluating the greenhouse gas reductions to be achieved by the long-term management of the timberlands pursuant to the PTEIR.
(g) The form and content of reports detailing greenhouse gas reductions as required by Section 4598.8.
(h) Any other matters as the board deems necessary for the effective administration of this article.
(Added by Stats. 2014, Ch. 36, Sec. 11. (SB 862) Effective June 20, 2014.)