The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled against the Nez Perce Tribe of Idaho on Thursday, upholding the federal government's operation of four dams on the Snake River.

The tribe and a coalition of environmental groups said the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is keeping water temperatures on the river too high. The hot temperatures hurt endangered salmon, the groups said.

But the court, in a unanimous decision, said the government is complying with the Clean Water Act. The law requires the dams to abide by state water standards.

The tribe and environmental groups want the dams removed.

Get the Story:
9th Circuit upholds dam operations (AP 10/5)

Get the Decision:
NATL WILDLIFE FED V USACE (October 4, 2004)

Relevant Links:
Nez Perce Tribe - http://www.nezperce.org

Related Stories:
Federal agencies change minds on removal of dams (09/01)
Nez Perce Tribe calls for protection of salmon (08/13)
Senate committee takes up Nez Perce water deal (07/21)
Deal proposed to resolve Idaho tribe's water rights (05/17)