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A Center lawsuit resulted in a court ruling in September 2005 that found the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency violated the Endangered Species Act when it registered pesticides for use in California without considering how they might impact the threatened California Red-legged Frog. The Center has negotiated a positive settlement agreement to correct these violations, and we need your help to make sure the EPA signs it!

Pursuant to the 2005 court decision, the EPA must now determine whether 66 of the most toxic and persistent pesticides authorized for use in California may adversely affect the Red-legged Frog. It must also complete formal consultations with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to ensure these pesticides are not jeopardizing the frog or contributing to its decline. For pesticides found to harm or jeopardize the frog, the EPA would be required to implement restrictions on their use or cancel certain pesticide registrations.

The proposed settlement agreement we negotiated with the EPA would impose a three-year schedule to complete these consultations. During this time, interim injunctions would prohibit the use of the 66 pesticides within the frog's designated core recovery areas to minimize harm to them.

Additionally, the settlement would cancel the EPA's authorization of use of the 66 pesticides in all aquatic and upland critical habitat areas for the California Red-legged Frog, in certain other aquatic features and upland habitats occupied by the frog, and in adjoining buffer zones. It would also require the EPA to distribute an educational brochure to the public and pesticide applicators that describes the California Red-legged Frog, the impacts of pesticides and environmental contaminants on frogs generally, and the interim restrictions on pesticide use.

The EPA has opened a public comment period on whether the agency should agree to the settlement. Please send an e-mail to the EPA encouraging approval of the settlement and interim pesticide restrictions to protect the Red-legged Frog. Comments must be received by September 18.

If you have any trouble submitting your comments, go to http://www.regulations.gov and submit comments for docket number EPA-HQ-OPP-2006-0702.