Court Orders Emergency Protections for Columbia Basin Salmon After Federal Deal Collapses

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FEBRUARY 26, 2026

A federal judge in Oregon has granted critical emergency measures to protect endangered salmon and steelhead. These measures provide a vital lifeline after the federal government unilaterally ended the Resilient Columbia Basin Agreement last summer.

The court ordered operational changes in the Columbia River hydropower system, including increased water spill over the dams in the spring and summer to help outmigrating juvenile fish bypass lethal turbines. The ruling reaffirms the legal necessity of protecting species that are currently sliding toward extinction. It follows the sudden termination of a historic agreement that had previously paused 30 years of litigation in favor of collaborative recovery commitments.

“The federal government’s decision to walk away from a science-based plan, without any further recommendation or consultation, left the plaintiffs no choice but to return to court to prevent a total biological collapse,” said Kayeloni Scott, Executive Director of the Columbia Snake River Campaign.“These emergency measures are a necessary stopgap to keep the fish alive while we continue to advocate for  the removal of the lower Snake River dams and replacement of their services. We need to ensure these iconic, keystone fish survive and thrive for future generations.”

Of the 16 salmon and steelhead stocks that historically returned above Bonneville Dam, four are extinct and seven are listed under the Endangered Species Act. The four lower Snake River dams remain  a primary threat to their survival by killing migrating fish and contributing to lethally warm reservoirs.

Today’s ruling ensures that while regional policy remains in flux, the  needs of Columbia Basin salmon and all who depend on them remain a legal priority.

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