Salmon advocates ask judge for help

Oregon and conservation groups petitioned a federal judge to enforce protective measures for salmon and steelhead at the Snake and Columbia river dams. The plaintiffs seek to require continuous water spilling during juvenile fish migration to reduce encounters with turbines and bypass systems. Liz Hamilton, from the Northwest Sportfishing Industry Association, stated that these measures would benefit salmon populations crucial for local economies and cultures. This legal filing resumes litigation over a disputed 2020 dam operation plan that was put on hold during discussions for a long-term solution involving Columbia River tribes. Opponents argue that implementing these measures could raise energy prices and negatively impact farmers reliant on the dam system.

The plaintiffs assert that federal inaction has allowed salmon populations to decline, bringing them close to extinction. The 2020 plan, finalized in the Trump administration, faced criticism for not adequately adhering to the Endangered Species Act. The outcome of this case could influence future negotiations regarding dam operations and regional environmental policies.