Judge Orders Columbia River Dam Changes to Protect Salmon

U.S. District Judge Michael Simon issued a preliminary injunction ordering federal agencies to implement operational changes at hydropower dams on the Columbia and Snake rivers to protect endangered salmon and steelhead populations. The ruling requires reservoir levels to remain consistent with 2025 levels and mandates increased water spills via floodgates for up to 24 hours per day to help fish bypass turbines.

The court decision rebukes the Trump administration, which in June 2025 canceled a 2023 Biden-era agreement that pledged $1 billion for salmon restoration and tribal clean energy. President Donald Trump had characterized the previous deal as "radical environmentalism." Judge Simon criticized the federal government's history of "avoidance and manipulation," stating that government proposals would harm fish runs that are "disappearing from the landscape."

Supporters of the ruling, including Oregon Governor Tina Kotek and the environmental law firm Earthjustice, praised the decision as a victory for sustainability and tribal treaty rights. Conversely, critics such as Idaho Governor Brad Little and U.S. Representative Dan Newhouse argued the order threatens the region's economy, agriculture, and energy security. The Public Power Council and Bonneville Power Administration warned that reducing turbine use could create electricity reliability issues and potentially trigger a 17% rate increase for power customers.