It is the intent of the Legislature that actions taken by the department and cities and counties pursuant to this article serve in the best interests of cities and counties by preserving existing disposal site capacity and providing a source of revenue from the stabilization and expansion of markets for processed wood waste materials. Actions taken pursuant to this article shall be separate from, and not be counted toward, the diversion requirements established pursuant to paragraphs (1) and (2) of subdivision (a) of Section 41780.

The board shall assist cities and counties to divert nonyard wood wastes which cannot otherwise feasibly be reduced, recycled, or composted, for processing and utilization as a fuel resource, provided that the facilities which use the nonyard wood waste as a fuel resource have obtained any necessary permits which allow the use of those materials as a fuel and to the extent the diversion is consistent with the hierarchy set forth in Section 40051.