The PCTA does recognize this, and so no longer collects this fee nor issues any additional permit for summiting Whitney.
They DO issue permits for people entering the Whitney Zone:
http://www.pcta.org/discover-the-trail/permits/"Mt. Whitney Zone permit
There is a $15-per-person fee to enter the Whitney Zone in Inyo National Forest. The Whitney Zone stretches from the summit eastward. If you plan to visit Whitney Portal or Lone Pine, CA from the summit of Mount Whitney, you'll need to pay the Mt. Whitney fee. Holders of the Whitney Zone Permit should re-enter the wilderness within 48 hours of when they exit to resupply. No permits will be issued for trips originating from Whitney Portal."
