Wheat Growers Disagree With Court Decision to Grant Preliminary Injunction to Lower Snake River Dams Litigation

On Feb. 26, 2026, the Washington Association of Wheat Growers (WAWG) expressed disagreement regarding the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon’s decision to grant a preliminary injunction in litigation involving the four lower Snake River dams. Overall, the ruling will increase the risk of harm to infrastructure, listed species, and public safety while failing to provide substantiated evidence that there will be benefits to listed salmon and steelhead.

“We believe the court order to increase spill and lower reservoir elevations is simply manipulating the river system in a way that will appease environmental activists, but in the long term, threaten the overall viability of the Columbia-Snake River System,” said Executive Director of the Washington Association of Wheat Growers, Michelle Hennings.

In addition to the myriad of benefits the Columbia-Snake River System provides for the Pacific Northwest, the economic and transportation benefits are vital to the prosperity of the region. Not only does the river system provide nearly 15,000 wheat industry-related jobs, over 60% of Washington wheat exports utilize the river system, allowing the region to lead the country in developing strong international trade relationships.
Wheat growers across the state of Washington have the utmost concern for the health of the ecosystem and believe that dams and a thriving salmon population can and do co-exist. We remain committed to working with other stakeholders and key decision-makers to ensure all actions are backed by sound science and extensive research.