Washington, D.C.

Defenders of Wildlife opposes the latest attempt to shortchange our nation’s landmark environmental laws and allow oil, gas and other extractive industries to harm wildlife and habitats with less oversight and less public input. The proposal is scheduled for mark up today by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.  

“Fossil fuel interests are pressing hard for unfettered access to drill and destroy, and it’s disappointing to see these interests elevated above those of the American people and the ecosystems and wildlife we depend on,” said Desiree Sorenson-Groves, vice president of land and habitat conservation at Defenders of Wildlife. “Environmental conservation laws like NEPA and the Endangered Species Act provide commonsense guardrails to ensure coexistence across all interests. This bill severely undermines that crucial balance.”

Introduced by Sen. Joe Manchin (I-WV) and Sen. John Barrasso (R-WY), the Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024 would limit the Bureau of Land Management’s authority to protect public lands, waters and other resources, and give more control to oil and gas companies and states over leasing and drilling. The bill also makes it harder for communities and citizens to challenge projects that might threaten their well-being and environmental health.

### 

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 activists, 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

Communications Director
mdewane@defenders.org
(202) 772-0217

News

Image
US Capitol Building Washington DC
Washington, D.C.

Defenders Strongly Condemns House Budget Reconciliation Bill as Disastrous for Wildlife, Imperiled Species

Defenders of Wildlife today strongly condemns the budget reconciliation bill passed by the House as disastrous for American wildlife and imperiled species.
Image
Bison Cow with new Calf in Yellowstone National Park
Golden, CO

Bison Receive Dual Listing, Bolstering Protections

Gov. Jared Polis signed a bill today designating bison in Colorado as wildlife in addition to livestock, opening the species up to management by Colorado