Cal. Pub. Res. Code § 2740

In carrying out the provisions of this chapter, the board may establish districts and appoint one or more district technical advisory committees to advise the board. In establishing districts for these committees, the board shall take into account physical characteristics, including, but not limited to, climate, topography, geology, type of overburden, and principal mineral commodities. Members of the committees shall be selected and appointed on the basis of their professional qualifications and training in mineral resource conservation, development and utilization, land use planning, mineral economics, or the reclamation of mined lands.