A federal judge says the government’s latest plans for making Columbia Basin dams safer for salmon looks good, but a legal flaw could delay his approval.
Judge James Redden said Monday at a hearing that approving the plans as they stand could make his decision vulnerable on appeal for violating federal procedural rules.
But sending the plans back to the government to do over could add months or more to litigation that, Redden noted, has gone on for 15 years.
The basic plan was drawn up last year by the Bush administration. This fall the Obama administration offered additional proposals. Redden says the procedural rules may prohibit him from considering the new proposals. (AP)
Judge says latest salmon plan may be flawed
Published: November 23, 2009Posted in: Idaho, National, News, Washington
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