U.S. District Judge Michael Simon has approved a memorandum of understanding negotiated by the Biden administration and litigants in a lawsuit over Snake River dam operations. The agreement stays the lawsuit until Dec. 13, 2028, with the possibility of another five-year extension. "The orderly course of justice is best served by staying this litigation," Simon wrote in his Feb. 8 order. "The issues in this case are complex and have been litigated for decades. The moving parties have reached a consensus to attempt to resolve these issues, perhaps permanently, without the need for further litigation."