(a) If an idle well is scheduled to be plugged and abandoned as part of an Idle Well Management Plan approved by the Division under Public Resources Code section 3206, subdivision (a)(2), and the operator is in compliance with the plan, then the operator is not required to meet the requirements of Sections 1772.1, 1772.1.1, or 1772.1.2 for that well.

(b) An Idle Well Management Plan under Public Resources Code section 3206, subdivision (a)(2), shall specify whether the long-term wells scheduled to be eliminated will be plugged and abandoned or returned to use.

(c) Operators implementing an Idle Well Management Plan filed under Public Resources Code section 3206, subdivision (a)(2), shall prioritize the elimination of long-term idle wells based on the considerations listed in Section 1772.4, and the operator's Idle Well Management Plan shall include notes indicating the basis for prioritizing wells. In the course of reviewing an Idle Well Management Plan for approval or during subsequent review, the Division may adjust the order of long-term idle wells to be eliminated based on the considerations listed in Section 1772.4.