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. However, the department shall seek independent scientific peer review of the department’s status report. 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.
(Amended (as amended by Stats. 2013, Ch. 387, Sec. 7) by Stats. 2016, Ch. 201, Sec. 5. (AB 2549) Effective January 1, 2017.)