James E. Risch
02/27/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 02/27/2026 13:43
Risch Condemns U.S. District Court Ruling to Lower Hydropower Generation on Columbia River System
Risch Condemns U.S. District Court Ruling to Lower Hydropower Generation on Columbia River System
February 27, 2026
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho) issues the following statement condemning a ruling by a U.S. District Court on Wednesday impacting hydropower operations on the Columbia River system.
"Once again, an activist judge is trying to dismantle the infrastructure Idahoans rely on by legislating from the bench," said Risch. "Congress authorized these dams, and only Congress has the authority to determine how they are managed. This decision disregards the essential role the lower Snake River dams play in our communities, and I will continue fighting to protect these vital resources."
The Columbia River System provides multiple benefits to Idaho and the region, including clean hydropower, economic stimulus, risk management, and crop irrigation.
Risch has been a staunch defender of the lower Snake River dams and introduced the Northwest Energy Security Act to protect the operation of the Federal Columbia River Power System.
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