Trump abandons Columbia River restoration plan, draws backlash from Tribes, Sen. Murray

Trump on Jan 12 canceled a “landmark agreement” (Seattle Times, see below) to restore Columbia Basin salmon and clear the way for removal of four fish-killing dams on Columbia's largest tributary by working to replace the power, navigation and irrigation services they provide.

Tribes on the Columbia River offered a sharp response. Two highlights:

"The need for salmon recovery hasn’t gone away with the president’s executive order, but neither has our resolve—it has only strengthened.” — Jeremy Takala, Chair of Columbia River Intertribal Fish Commission

"This action tries to hide from the truth.” — Shannon Wheeler, Chairman, New Perce Tribe

Sen. Patty Murray, ranking member of the Appropriations Committee, also spoke out:“This decision is grievously wrong and couldn't be more short-sighted” she said (quoted in Times article, second link below).

Statements on Trump administration withdrawal from Resilient Columbia Basin Agreement
Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission, June 12, 2025

Seattle Times article, for anyone looking for more detail:
Trump cancels landmark Columbia River agreement with tribes, WA, OR
The Seattle Times, June 12, 2025