(a) Subject to the limitations of paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section:

(1) An owner or operator, including a local government owner or operator, may use any one or combination of the mechanisms listed in §§280.95 through 280.103 to demonstrate financial responsibility under this subpart for one or more underground storage tanks; and

(2) A local government owner or operator may use any one or combination of the mechanisms listed in §§280.104 through 280.107 to demonstrate financial responsibility under this subpart for one or more underground storage tanks.

(b) An owner or operator may use a guarantee under §280.96 or surety bond under §280.98 to establish financial responsibility only if the Attorney(s) General of the state(s) in which the underground storage tanks are located has (have) submitted a written statement to the implementing agency that a guarantee or surety bond executed as described in this section is a legally valid and enforceable obligation in that state.

(c) An owner or operator may use self-insurance in combination with a guarantee only if, for the purpose of meeting the requirements of the financial test under this rule, the financial statements of the owner or operator are not consolidated with the financial statements of the guarantor.