Seattle Now Trump halts a landmark agreement meant to restore salmon
Jun 16, 2025
In this discussion with Lynda Mapes, an environment reporter for The Seattle Times with three decades covering the Columbia River, the cancellation of a vital salmon restoration agreement by President Trump takes center stage. Lynda dives into the historical significance of the Columbia River, the tension between clean energy and salmon habitats, and the ecological disruption caused by hydroelectric dams. She also addresses the urgent need for collaboration among stakeholders to secure the future of salmon populations and the regional ecosystem.
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Dams vs. Native Fish Conflict
- The Columbia River's dams generate clean energy but disrupt cold water fish like salmon that require fast-flowing, cold currents.
- Dams slow fish migration, warm water, and introduce invasive species that threaten native salmon and steelhead populations.
Salmon Restoration Agreement Goals
- The 2023 Columbia River agreement aimed to restore salmon and support tribal green energy by potentially removing four Lower Snake River dams.
- It promised to keep economic stakeholders whole with investments in alternative power and infrastructure, but didn't mandate dam removal immediately.
Trump's Cancellation Rationale
- President Trump canceled the Columbia River agreement to promote 'American energy dominance' and reject the Biden administration's environmental agenda.
- He also expressed skepticism about climate change and prioritized existing dam operations over salmon restoration.