California Code, Fish and Game Code - FGC § 2074.8

(a) This article does not impose any duty or obligation for, or otherwise require, the commission or the department to undertake independent studies or other assessments of any species when reviewing a petition and its attendant documents and comments.

(b) The director may approve an extension of time for completion of the status report if necessary for the purposes of obtaining independent peer review pursuant to Section 2074.6.