Carrizo Plain, CA -- The two solar companies proposing large photovoltaic plants for the Carrizo Plain have reached an agreement that will prevent a lawsuit from three national environmental groups. SunPower Corp. and First Solar have agreed to provide additional protections for endangered species in exchange for an agreement by the Sierra Club, Defenders of Wildlife and the Center for Biological Diversity not to legally challenge the solar plants.

The agreement does not affect a separate lawsuit filed by three local plaintiffs. North County Watch, Carrizo Commons and Michael Strobridge have filed suit to stop the SunPower project. Reportedly they plan to file a similar lawsuit by the end of the week challenging the First Solar project.