White House Takes Action to Restore Healthy, Abundant Salmon in Columbia-Snake Basin

Statement from Tom Kiernan, President and CEO of American Rivers

Contact: Amy Souers Kober, 503-708-1145

Read the White House memo and factsheet

President Biden today released a memorandum directing federal agencies to use all of their authorities to restore healthy and abundant wild salmon and steelhead populations in the Columbia-Snake basin. Earlier this year, American Rivers named the Snake River among America’s Most Endangered Rivers of 2023, spotlighting the need for urgent action.

Tom Kiernan, President and CEO of American Rivers, made the following statement:

“For decades, Tribal Nations, businesses, and communities across the Columbia-Snake basin have called for the restoration of abundant, harvestable salmon runs. We applaud today’s order by the Biden administration clearly directing federal agencies and the Bonneville Power Administration to change the status quo to achieve this objective. The science is clear that we can restore salmon abundance, but only through removal of the four lower Snake River dams, as well as significant increases in habitat restoration in other tributaries in the Basin.”

“We look forward to working with the Administration, Tribes, members of Congress, and stakeholders around the region to provide necessary funding and authorities to get the job done. American Rivers is committed to collaborative salmon recovery actions that honor treaties, build climate resilience, support agriculture, and advance clean, affordable energy solutions.”

About American Rivers  

American Rivers is championing a national effort to protect and restore all rivers, from remote mountain streams to urban waterways. Healthy rivers provide people and nature with clean, abundant water and natural habitat. For 50 years, American Rivers staff, supporters, and partners have shared a common belief: Life Depends on Rivers. For more information, please visit www.AmericanRivers.org