Cal. Pub. Resources Code § 6212.2
The commission may, under such rules and regulations as it may prescribe, issue permits for the taking of cores or other samples by means of drilling operations or other methods on or under any lands under the jurisdiction of the commission for the purpose of obtaining geological information to be used in assessing the nature and extent of any mineral interest reserved to the state, preparing environmental documents, locating nuclear or other energy-related plant sites, making soil surveys, conducting foundation exploration and oceanographic research, and making studies of geological hazards, flood control, harbor works, and other similar matters not involving an activity of commercial exploration or exploitation.
Ca. Pub. Res. Code § 6212.2