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Stakeholders, lawmakers sound alarm over Snake River dam deal

By MATTHEW WEAVER Capital Press
Matthew Weaver
Field Reporter, Spokane

Author email
Dec 14, 2023
Dec 14, 2023 Updated Dec 14, 2023

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Ice Harbor Dam, one of four dams on the lower Snake River.
Associated Press File

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Agricultural and electrical utility stakeholders continue to voice their concerns over an agreement forged between the federal government and plaintiffs in a lawsuit over Snake River dam operations.

The results of mediation between the federal government and plaintiffs were made public Nov. 29 by several members of the Northwest congressional delegation. The government and plaintiffs have a Dec. 15 deadline to present their final agreement in court.

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SM 18 - Cliff Bentz.jpg — U.S. Rep. Cliff Bentz
U.S. House

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Ag groups: Snake River dam deal 'leaves farmers behind'

Northwest agricultural industry leaders have released a joint statement voicing "grave concerns" over the U.S. government's proposed package with plaintiffs over Snake River dam operations.

Ag stakeholders: Secret plan threatens ag 'in a way we've never seen before'

The results of mediation between the federal government and plaintiffs in long-running litigation over Snake River dams operations were made public Nov. 29 by several members of the Northwest congressional delegation.

'Highly irregular': Legal experts weigh in on leaked Snake River dam package

There's nothing in the secret commitments the U.S. government made to plaintiffs in the case involving management of the four lower Snake River dams that anybody could sue over, according to a lawyer with experience in litigating similar disputes.

Mediation deal doesn't call for dam breach

A confidential mediation document released Nov. 29 by four members of Congress outlines steps the federal government will take to mitigate the breaching of the lower Snake River dams, but appears to make those steps contingent on Congress authorizing removal of the dams.

White House: Snake River dam mediation 'still in active negotiations'

The White House Council on Environmental Quality says settlement commitments are "still in active negotiations" and will be discussed with all parties involved in the mediation.

New secret plan proposed in Snake River dam lawsuit

The U.S. government and plaintiffs in a lawsuit over the Snake River dams say they've developed a package of "actions and commitment" that they'll discuss with other stakeholders. If approved, they'll present a plan in court by Dec. 15.

Watch the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries meeting video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hK7xGZ94O5o

More information

'Insane,' 'reckless': Stakeholders respond to Snake River dam plan

Agricultural stakeholders say the risk of eventual breaching of the Snake River dams is low, following the announcement of the plan formed between the federal government and plaintiffs in a long-running lawsuit. Acknowledgement that authority to breach lies with Congress is a win, they say.

But most stakeholders expressed concern over the agreement, calling it "insane" and "reckless."

"The settlement takes a challenging situation and makes it worse," Northwest RiverPartners said.