(a)
Nothing in this chapter is intended, and it shall not be construed, to limit or affect the authority or duties of any state or local agency, including, but not limited to, the commission, the council, and the California Coastal Commission.
(b)
Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to do any of the following:
(1)
Relieve the applicant or prior owner or operator of an offshore oil structure from any continuing liability under any of the following, if the liability is associated with seepage or release of oil from an offshore oil structure that was decommissioned pursuant to an order of, or any action taken by, and in accordance
with, any applicable rule or regulation of, any federal or state agency:
(A)
Any state statute or regulation regarding liability for the spilling of oil.
(B)
The federal Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (33 U.S.C. Sec. 2701 et seq.).
(C)
Any other provision of law.
(2)
Establish any new liability on the part of the state.
(3)
Require any agency with jurisdiction to approve the partial removal of an offshore oil structure.
(4)
Promote, encourage, or facilitate offshore oil exploration, development, and production within California’s open coastal waters.
(5)
Require the
United States Department of the Interior or the commission to modify, amend, or alter an existing oil and gas lease to approve partial removal of an offshore oil structure.
(6)
Alter any existing law or applicable rule or regulation of any federal or state agency that establishes liability for damages arising with respect to artificial reefs or reef materials, including, but not limited to, components of decommissioned oil structures.
(7)
Alter any existing law or policy that protects natural reefs.
(8)
Approve any particular method of abandonment.
(c)
Any partial removal of an offshore oil structure pursuant to this chapter shall not be used or counted as mitigation for any environmental impacts or natural resource
damages.