(a) In implementing this chapter, the department shall establish a producer responsibility advisory board for the purpose of identifying barriers and solutions to creating a circular economy consistent with this chapter and advising the department, producers, and producer responsibility organizations in the implementation of this chapter. The advisory board shall be composed of 13 voting and 3 nonvoting members as provided in the following categories, who shall be appointed by the director:

1. (1) One representative nominated by a statewide city association.
2. (2) One representative nominated by a statewide rural county association.
3. (3) One representative from an environmental protection organization.
4. (4) One representative from an ocean advocacy organization.
5. (5) One representative from an environmental justice organization.
6. (6) One representative from a disadvantaged or low-income community or rural area.
7. (7) One representative of a materials recovery facility located within the State of California.
8. (8) One representative of a recycling service provider, or a representative of an association of recycling service providers.
9. (9) One representative from the composting industry operating in the State of California.
10. (10) A representative of each of four manufacturers of covered materials of different material types utilizing postconsumer recycled content, one of which produces third-party certified compostable covered material. These board members shall not be a board member of a PRO.
11. (11) One representative nominated by a statewide association representing the retail sector. This board member shall be a nonvoting member.
12. (12) One representative nominated by a statewide association representing the grocery sector. This board member shall be a nonvoting member.
13. (13) One representative of a producer responsibility organization. This board member shall be a nonvoting member.

(e)

1. (1) The advisory board shall provide the PRO and the department, and a third party conducting or updating a needs assessment if applicable, with initial recommendations regarding all of the following:

   1. (A) Key barriers and possible solutions to advance the objectives of increasing recovery of covered materials and decreasing the leakage of plastic into the environment no later than one year after the advisory board’s initial meeting. This shall include key barriers and possible solutions related to available and viable responsible end markets and market development for covered materials.
   2. (B) Key barriers and possible solutions to advance the objectives of reducing the production of virgin material for covered material and reducing the landfilling of covered material.
   3. (C) Key barriers and possible pathways toward reusable packaging and products and refillable systems.
   4. (D) Key barriers and other considerations needed for covered material to meet the requirements of this chapter.
   5. (E) How a PRO will cover the costs incurred by local jurisdictions and local jurisdictions’ recycling service providers associated with implementing this chapter and managing the material covered in a plan.
2. (2) The department shall consider the recommendations provided under paragraph (1) as it evaluates which specific actions may be appropriate to advance the objectives of this chapter.

(f) The advisory board may take any of the following actions through written recommendations as the advisory board deems appropriate:

1. (1) Advise the department, producers, or PROs on technical matters in support of the goals of this chapter to create a circular economy and reduce covered material pollution.
2. (2) Advise the department in the adoption of the regulations required by this chapter.
3. (3) Advise the department, producers, or PROs on any other pertinent matters in implementing this chapter, as determined by the advisory board or department.