Biden administration

Federal, state and tribal leaders officially signed an agreement Friday to better protect salmon in the Columbia River and halt court cases for the next 10 years.

Tribes, governments sign historic agreement that's a 'path forward' for salmon, dams

Courtney Flatt

After decades of fighting to protect salmon and steelhead, Northwest tribal leaders signed a historic agreement with state and federal officials – the Columbia Basin Restoration Initiative.

A dam on the Snake River with hills in the background.

Environment and Planning

Historic agreement seen as a harbinger to Snake River dam removal

Courtney Flatt

After decades of courtroom drama, a document leak and years of negotiation, federal officials agreed with six Northwest tribes to restore salmon, build-up clean energy and begin studying how to replace services the Lower Snake River dams provide.

Environment and Planning

Leaked documents on Snake River dams leads to congressional hearing

Courtney Flatt

After leaked documents suggested the Biden administration could be making moves to help remove Washington’s four Lower Snake River dams – congressional Republicans said they needed answers.

Three red salmon with green heads sit at the bottom of a river. On the left side of the picture, there are brown river rocks near the salmon's heads.

Environment and Planning

Biden calls for ‘abundant’ salmon populations, directs agencies to honor tribal treaty rights

Courtney Flatt

President Biden today directed federal agencies to restore healthy and abundant wild salmon populations to the Columbia River Basin. The presidential memorandum says tribal treaties need to be honored.

Weather and Climate

Biden administration launches website to provide real-time climate data, predict future scenarios

Courtney Flatt

Communities vulnerable to natural disasters now have a helpful online tool to assess risks. The Biden administration launched a climate mapping website today.