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Reaction to Court Ruling Salmon Federal Policy
For Immediate Release - May 27, 2005

The following statment was released by Congressman McDermott after the Bush Administration’s latest federal salmon plan was thrown out in federal court. US District Judge Redden rejected the Bush Administration’s argument that the dams are a part of the immutable landscape, ruling that the plan did not adequately address recovery of the ESA-listed salmon.

"Three strikes and you're out. That's how many times a federal court has had to step in because the Bush Administration can't get it right on salmon policy.

"Meanwhile, runs are depleted, fisheries are closed, and the region is suffering.

"The Bush Administration is looking for legal loopholes. I'm looking for leadership."

"Yet again, a federal court had to breach the Administration's dam policy; as many have said it is time to seriously study breaching the four Lower Snake River dams that serve few farmers and no fish.

"Every Congress I introduce the Salmon Planning Act to get all the parties around the table to tackle this issue head on. It may be seen by some as tough love, but it is the only way we are going to save the salmon and address issues affecting farmers."