(1) One registry offset credit, which represents one metric ton of CO2e for a direct GHG emission reduction or direct GHG removal enhancement, will be issued pursuant to this section only if:

(a) An offset project registry has listed the offset project;

(b) The GHG emission reductions or GHG removal enhancements were issued a positive offset or qualified positive offset verification statement; and

(c) An offset project registry has received a positive offset or qualified positive offset verification statement issued and attested to by an ecology-accredited verification body for the offset project data report for which registry offset credits would be issued.

(2) Within 45 calendar days of receiving a positive offset or qualified positive offset verification statement, the offset project registry will determine whether the information submitted is complete, whether the GHG emission reductions and GHG removal enhancements meet the requirements of this chapter and the applicable compliance offset protocol, and whether the positive offset or qualified positive offset verification statement meets the requirements WAC 173-446-535.

(3) Determination for timing and duration of initial crediting periods for offset projects submitted through an offset project registry.

(a) The initial crediting period will begin with the date that the first verified GHG emission reductions and GHG removal enhancements occur, according to the first positive offset or qualified positive offset verification statement that is received by an offset project registry, unless otherwise specified in the applicable compliance offset protocol.

(b) An early action offset project that transitioned pursuant to the program for recognition of early action offset credits is considered to have begun its initial crediting period on the date that the first verified GHG emission reductions and GHG removal enhancements under the applicable compliance offset protocol took place according to the first positive offset or qualified positive offset verification statement that was received by the offset project registry.

(4) Determination for timing and duration of renewed crediting for offset projects submitted through an offset project registry. A renewed crediting period will begin the day after the conclusion of the prior crediting period.