(a)
On or before January 1, 2009, the department shall develop and implement the California Toxic Release Inventory Program pursuant to this article.
(b)
Notwithstanding any other provision of this article, the department shall, when implementing the program, comply with the requirements of the federal act with regard to ensuring that any requirement imposed pursuant to this article is no less stringent than, or is not otherwise preempted by, any requirement imposed pursuant
to the federal act, including any changes to the existing federal regulations that decrease the threshold quantity or include additional toxic chemicals subject to the federal act.
(c)
If there is a legal challenge to changes made to Section 312 of the federal act (42 U.S.C. Sec. 11022) or the federal regulations adopted pursuant to that section, that result in the changes being stayed or enjoined by a federal court, the department shall not require a facility to submit a toxic chemical release form pursuant to Section 25546.4 until the department determines that the court action has been settled or adjudicated.