Last mentioned: Feb 26, 2026
Judicial Order
Federal judge mandates immediate operational changes to dam spill levels for the upcoming migration season.
Six Sovereigns Agreement
The Biden administration and regional stakeholders reach a $1B agreement to stay litigation and fund recovery.
Simon Ruling
Judge Michael Simon rejects the federal government's salmon recovery plan as inadequate.
First ESA Listing
Snake River sockeye salmon are officially listed as endangered, sparking decades of legal battles.
A federal judge has ordered significant operational changes to dams along the Columbia and Snake rivers to protect endangered salmon populations. The ruling forces a recalibration of hydroelectric output and water management, intensifying the legal pressure on federal agencies to comply with the Endangered Species Act.