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Judge Orders Hydropower Changes to Save Salmon

2/26/2026

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Story summary
  • U.S. District Judge Michael Simon ordered changes to hydropower operations on the Columbia and Snake rivers to protect salmon.
  • The ruling reinstates measures that the Trump administration had canceled.
  • The order requires more water releases during salmon migrations, potentially reducing hydroelectric power generation.
  • Environmental advocates say salmon survival must come first, while public utilities warn of impacts to energy supply.