Oregon Sues Federal Government After U.S. Walks Away From Columbia Basin Salmon Agreement

Following the federal government’s withdrawal from the Resilient Columbia Basin Agreement (RCBA), Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield indicated yesterday that the state is resuming litigation, asking the court for an urgent interdict to protect next spring’s salmon migration.

RCBA is a collaborative plan developed with Oregon, Washington, four Lower Columbia Treaty Tribes, and conservation partners to restore salmon runs, honor treaty obligations, and meet clean energy needs. The federal government’s decision to abandon the plan puts these goals at risk.

AG Dan Rayfield said, “By walking away, the federal government has put salmon and steelhead on the brink of extinction and once again broken promises to tribal partners.”

The RCBA was a historic opportunity to restore salmon populations and uphold commitments to sovereign tribal nations while meeting the region’s clean energy demands. Oregon will hold the federal government accountable in court to ensure these iconic fish runs have a future.

The injunction seeks to address the urgent needs of the fish. To protect the fish, maximizing their chance of survival and return as adults is key. The AG is also seeking to extend to changes in the operation of the hydropower system.