Settlement Agreement Achieved for Endangered Aquatic Species

August 25, 2010

Oregon’s endangered aquatic species got a helping fin from PEAC attorney and clinical professor Allison LaPlante this week. LaPlante successfully accomplished our client’s goal of forcing two federal agencies to agree to fulfill their legal requirements to review the state of Oregon’s proposed water quality standards for toxic pollutants.  PEAC’s client, Northwest Environmental Advocates (NWEA), alleges that the National Marine Fisheries Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service unreasonably delayed their required Endangered Species Act review of the proposed standards—standards that, in NWEA’s opinion, are inadequate to protect aquatic species, including salmon and steelhead, as well as mammals such as whales.  According to LaPlante, “requiring these agencies to complete their review is the first important step in protecting species from toxic pollutants in Oregon’s waters.” 

You can read more about the case and the parties’ settlement agreement here and view the official signed order and press release.

Related Content

• Law360Article (PDF)
• Final Stipulated Dismissal (PDF)
• Settlement Press (PDF)