(a) For response actions taken pursuant to the federal act, only those costs for actions that are consistent with the priorities, guidelines, criteria, and regulations contained in the national contingency plan, as revised and republished pursuant to Section 105 of the federal act (42 U.S.C. § 9605), shall qualify for appropriation by the Legislature and expenditure by the director pursuant to Sections 78240, 78875, and 79450.

(b) For response actions not taken pursuant to the federal act or for response actions taken that are not specifically addressed by the priorities, guidelines, criteria, and regulations contained in the national contingency plan, as revised and republished, the costs of the response actions shall also qualify for appropriation by the Legislature and expenditure by the department pursuant to Sections 78240, 78875, and 79450 provided they are, to the maximum extent possible, consistent with the priorities, guidelines, criteria, and regulations contained in the national contingency plan for similar releases, situations, or events.

(Added by Stats. 2022, Ch. 257, Sec. 2. (AB 2293) Effective January 1, 2023. Operative January 1, 2024, pursuant to Sec. 4 of Stats. 2022, Ch. 257.)