February 27, 2026 - Statement from Lt. Governor Bedke on Federal Court Order Affecting Columbia and Snake River Dams

BOISE, Idaho - Lieutenant Governor Scott Bedke released the following statement today in response to the federal court order issued by U.S. District Court Judge Michael Simon requiring changes to hydropower dam operations on the Columbia and Snake Rivers:

"The Columbia and Snake River dams have been foundational to Idaho's energy security, agricultural economy, and way of life, and this ruling puts all of that at risk. Reduced hydropower output will drive up energy rates across the region, a burden that will fall hardest on rural families and farmers who depend on affordable power and reliable navigation to move their products to market. This outcome is the result of litigation driven by environmental activist groups whose agenda does not reflect the needs of the communities that depend on these rivers every day. Durable solutions that serve both our economy and our environment require good-faith collaboration, not outcomes handed down from the courtroom. I remain firmly opposed to any action that moves this region toward breaching these dams."