Anchorage, AK

Defenders of Wildlife applauded the Department of Interior’s announcement that it will not proceed with three planned oil lease sales in Alaska’s Cook Inlet and the Gulf of Mexico. Nicole Whittington-Evans, Director of Alaska Program for Defenders of Wildlife, issued the following statement:

“This is a significant win not only for our climate but also for the conservation efforts to restore the endangered Cook Inlet beluga whale population. We encourage the Biden administration to continue prioritizing our environment and a sustainable energy future in the face of the craven and opportunistic push by big oil and gas interests seeking to exploit the instability in energy markets brought about by the war in Ukraine.”

Cook Inlet beluga whale
Paul Wade/NOAA Fisheries

For over 75 years, Defenders of Wildlife has remained dedicated to protecting all native animals and plants in their natural communities. With a nationwide network of nearly 2.1 million members and supporters, Defenders of Wildlife is a leading advocate for innovative solutions to safeguard our wildlife for generations to come. To learn more, please visit https://defenders.org/newsroom or follow us on X @Defenders.

  

Media Contact

News

Violet-green Swallow
ANN ARBOR, MI

Study Led by Defenders of Wildlife Scientist Shows Noise Pollution Impacts on Migratory Birds

“The major takeaway from this study is that anthropogenic noise affects many aspects of bird behavior, with some responses more directly tied to fitness,” said Natalie Madden, lead author of the new study.
Louisiana Black Bear
Raleigh, N.C.

Defenders Receives Advocacy Organization of the Year Award

Defenders of Wildlife joined its partners in the Safe Passage coalition today to accept the Advocacy Organization of the Year Award at the 2026 Sweethearts
Visit the newsroom