(a) This article applies to the leasing of all lands under the Commission's jurisdiction for all surface uses except the exploration for or extraction of natural resources including minerals, oil, gas or other hydrocarbons, or geothermal resources or any other natural resources, excluding timber.

(b) Leases or permits may be issued to qualified applicants and the Commission shall have broad discretion in all aspects of leasing including category of lease or permit and which use, method or amount of rental is most appropriate, whether competitive bidding should be used in awarding a lease, what term should apply, how rental should be adjusted during the term, whether bonding and insurance should be required and in what amounts, whether an applicant is “qualified,” etc. based on what it deems to be in the best interest of the State.

(c) Leases or permits for tide or submerged lands shall generally only be issued to riparian or littoral upland owners or use right holders, provided however that such leases or permits may be granted to the best qualified applicant irrespective of riparian or littoral status.

(d) Leases or permits for school, lieu or indemnity lands shall be for value or value enhancement purposes.