PRESS RELEASE Thursday, February 9, 2017 

 rep.ewernerreschke@oregonlegislature.gov

Statement From Representative Werner Reschke On Federal Court Decision Related To Klamath River

Salem, OR – Representative E. Werner Reschke (R-Klamath Falls) issued the following statement on a decision by the Northern California U.S. District Court to increase water flows from the Klamath River to protect salmon:

 “Today’s ruling brings concern for what harm this will do to farmers and irrigators in the Klamath Basin. Flushing extra water downstream is based on biological science still being determined by agencies. The balance the Endangered Species Act was expected to bring about has been misplaced.

This decision will be subject to appeal and it highlights the significance of the pending “Takings Case”, currently before the U.S. Federal Court of Claims (Washington D.C.) The Federal Government will be forced to re-consult on the immediate aspect of the 2013 Biological Opinion for the protection of Coho salmon. This decision established a very poor precedent for the re-consultation.”

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