A federal judge in Oregon has ruled against the Trump administration, ordering changes to hydropower operations on the Columbia and Snake Rivers to protect endangered salmon and steelhead. The decision comes after the administration withdrew from a landmark 2023 agreement to restore fish populations.
Judge Michael Simon of the US District Court in Oregon rebuked the government's position, citing a 'disappointing history of avoidance and manipulation'. He noted that evidence presented by the administration was created for the lawsuit and contradicted scientific records. The ruling maintains reservoir and flow levels similar to last year, with minor increases.
The dispute centres on eight dams and reservoirs that have devastated fish populations. The Columbia River basin, once the world's most productive salmon system, now has seven of 16 stocks listed under the Endangered Species Act, with four already extinct. The dams have also flooded villages and burial grounds, disrupting Native American tribes' traditions and food sources.
The Resilient Columbia Basin Agreement, brokered in late 2023 under the Biden administration, committed over $1bn to support salmon runs and clean energy projects. However, President Trump withdrew from it months after returning to office, calling it 'radical environmentalism'. The parties then returned to court.
Environmental groups welcomed the ruling. Amanda Goodin of Earthjustice said it provides 'commonsense relief' to protect imperilled salmon. Mike Leahy of the National Wildlife Federation added that while emergency measures are implemented, the long-term goal remains restoring Snake River salmon for future generations.
