For Immediate Release
Washington, DC

Acting Secretary of Interior David Bernhardt announced that the Atlantic will be included in the 5-year offshore leasing plan for oil and gas development. This plan will replace former President Obama’s 5-year plan, which protected these areas and blocked oil and gas development. The Atlantic Ocean is the only habitat for the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale.

Jamie Rappaport Clark, CEO and president, Defenders of Wildlife, issued this statement: 

“The Trump administration has made one bad decision after another for America’s oceans. On the heels of the Trump administration approving requests from five oil companies to conduct seismic testing in the Atlantic Ocean, Acting Secretary of Interior David Bernhardt has continued the pursuit of energy dominance by announcing that the Atlantic Ocean will be opened to drilling.

“Offshore drilling is risky business. President Trump’s plan threatens the survival of our diverse and abundant marine wildlife, including the imperiled North Atlantic right whale.”

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

News

Image
Department of the Interior building, Washington DC
Washington, D.C.

Defenders Condemns Administration's Dangerous Proposed Budget Cuts to Wildlife Conservation

Defenders of Wildlife condemns the Trump administration’s dangerous budget proposal asking Congress to cut significant resources for vital wildlife conservation.
Image
US Capitol Building Washington DC
Washington, D.C.

Defenders Denounces Destructive Natural Resources Reconciliation Text

Defenders of Wildlife strongly denounces the House Natural Resources Committee’s text for the upcoming reconciliation bill.