the film forum library tutorial contact

Newest Dam Plan Brings Court Challenge by News Services Wenatchee World, June 18, 2008

Portland - The Bush administration's latest plan for balancing the lives of endangered salmon against operation of hydroelectric dams in the Columbia Basin has been challenged by conservation and fishing groups.

The complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Portland on Tuesday alleges that the plan issued in May arbitrarily and capriciously ignores the best available science, is not appreciably different from one in 2004 declared illegal by U.S. District Judge James Redden, and relies too heavily on restoring habitat and reforming hatchery operations.

Though it is not part of the legal action, Earthjustice attorney Todd True repeated the long-standing contention by salmon advocates that the cheapest and most effective action to save Columbia Basin salmon is to remove four dams on the lower Snake River in Eastern Washington - something President Bush has promised will not happen.