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Congressional Members Criticize Judge's New Ruling on Fish Recovery Plan by Bob Hoff Listen Ag Info, August 4, 2011

Listen Eastern Washington U.S. House members are criticizing Federal Judge James Redden's ruling on the federal government's latest plan to save endangered salmon in the Columbia-Snake River system. The judge said it is time to consider new options in river operations including removal of some dams.

Congressman Doc Hastings says the ruling is extremely alarming. Hastings, who chairs the House Natural Resources Committee, says not only is dam removal an extreme action that would be devastating to the Pacific Northwest economy but Judge Redden has zero authority to order the removal of dams.

Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers called the decision on the biological opinion misguided and says dam removal should not be an option.

The navigation system the dams provide is a significant transportation artery for northwest agriculture.