For Immediate Release

WASHINGTON ­– Defenders of Wildlife joined a media event today with Senator Ed Markey (D-MA) and other Senate champions in advance of an expected vote on a budget resolution that could allow drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

Statement from Former Defenders of Wildlife President and CEO, Jamie Rappaport Clark:

"We stand with champions in the Senate in opposing this underhanded budget scam to open the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil and gas drilling. It is unnecessary and simply wrong to destroy an incomparable wilderness that serves as our nation’s most important polar bear nursery, provides essential habitat for the world-renowned Porcupine caribou herd and supports more than 200 species of migratory birds. Enough is enough. All Americans have a stake in protecting this vital refuge. Opening the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to drilling won’t balance the budget, but it will break the trust of the American people who object to a greedy few robbing us of our irreplaceable natural heritage."

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.

  

News

elk landscape
Washington, D.C.

New Assault on Public Lands Betrays Will of American People

Defenders of Wildlife slammed Senator Mike Lee’s (R-UT) most recent attempt to sell off our nation’s public lands through a provision in the Senate’s budget reconciliation bill for what it is – a brazen betrayal of the will of the American people.
2020.03.24 - Alligator - Okefenokee Swamp - Okefenokee Wilderness Area - Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge - Michael Lusk.jpg
ATLANTA, GEORGIA

Defenders Celebrates Land Acquisition Deal Protecting Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge from Threat of Mining

Defenders of Wildlife celebrates The Conservation Fund’s acquisition of the properties owned by Twin Pines Minerals, LLC, a company seeking to mine adjacent to the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, the largest refuge east of the Mississippi River.
Visit the newsroom