(a) This Article sets forth the procedure governing the Department of Fish and Game's (the “Department”) adoption of regulations which may have a significant effect on the environment.

(b) These regulations are adopted by the Department to implement the procedures provided for under California Public Resources Code section 21080.5, which exempts a regulatory program certified by the Secretary of the Resources Agency from certain requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”), when the regulatory program requires the preparation of a plan or other written documentation containing environmental information which is functionally similar to that required under CEQA.

(c) These regulations are adopted by the Department pursuant to the authority established by the Department's enabling legislation, as set forth in the California Fish & Game Code, including, but not limited to, section 702.

(d) If the Resources Agency declines to certify the regulatory program under California Public Resources Code section 21080.5, or if the Resources Agency revokes that certification, then this Article will no longer apply to the Department of Fish and Game's adoption of regulations.