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Tribes Challenge Dam Operations Amid Salmon Recovery Setback

2/6/2026

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Conservation Groups Sue

Conservation groups, Native American tribes, and Oregon and Washington return to court over Snake and Columbia River dam operations.
The actions follow a collapsed salmon-recovery deal with the federal government halted by U.S. President Donald Trump.
Plaintiffs say dam operations violate the Endangered Species Act and seek improved fish passage.
Separately, the Oregon Supreme Court ruled that criminal charges must be dismissed when defendants lack representation within set timeframes.

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Oregon Court Dismisses Cases

The Oregon Supreme Court ruled that more than 1,400 criminal cases must be dismissed due to a shortage of public defenders.
Advocates say the shortage stems from low salaries and high caseloads that reduce access to counsel.
The ruling requires dismissals if counsel is not provided within specified timeframes, and allows potential re-filing later.
The decision calls for urgent reforms in Oregon's public defense system to uphold defendants' rights.

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Conservation Groups Sue

Conservation groups, Native American tribes, and Oregon and Washington return to court over Snake and Columbia River dam operations.
The actions follow a collapsed salmon-recovery deal with the federal government halted by U.S. President Donald Trump.
Plaintiffs say dam operations violate the Endangered Species Act and seek improved fish passage.
Separately, the Oregon Supreme Court ruled that criminal charges must be dismissed when defendants lack representation within set timeframes.

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