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green sea turtle
WASHINGTON, D.C.

Trump Administration Calls on “God Squad” to Weaken Endangered Species Act Protections

The Trump administration today announced its intent to convene the Endangered Species Committee — colloquially known as the “God Squad”— on March 31, 2026, to consider an exemption under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) for oil and gas-related activities in the Gulf of Mexico.
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Washington monument - cherry blossoms
WASHINGTON, D.C.

Defenders of Wildlife Unveils 2025 Conservation Report Card for 119th Congress

Defenders of Wildlife today released its 2025 Conservation Report Card for the 119th Congress, measuring members’ commitment to upholding federal laws that protect wildlife conservation during its first session.
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Joshua tree sunset
WASHINGTON, D.C.

Defenders of Wildlife Sues FWS Over Extensive FOIA Request Delays

Defenders of Wildlife today filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, citing the agency’s extensive delay in fulfilling eight Freedom of Information Act requests related to land exchanges within the National Wildlife Refuge System.

Press Releases

House appropriations bill would cripple national conservation programs, sentence key species to extinction

Washington(July 9, 2014) –– Today, the U.S. House of Representatives Appropriations Subcommittee for Interior, Environment and Related Agencies passed the 2015 appropriations bill for the

Amended Nevada-California Forest Plan for Imperiled Grouse Released

For Immediate Release July 7, 2014 Contact: Erik Molvar, WildEarth Guardians, (307) 399-7910 Courtney Sexton, Defenders of Wildlife, (202) 772-0253 Amended Nevada-California Forest Plan for

Hammerhead Sharks Get Needed Federal Protections

July 3, 2014 CONTACT: Melanie Gade: Mgade@defenders.org ; (202) 772-0288 Jay Tutchton: jtutchton@defenders.org cell (720) 301-3843 Hammerhead Sharks Get Needed Federal Protections: First Time in

Defenders of Wildlife: Interior department still needs clear objectives for bison conservation

Washington (June 30, 2014) — The Department of the Interior today released a report outlining its plans to work with state, local and tribal interests

First federal sage-grouse plan to be finalized doesn’t fly with conservationists

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Courtney Sexton, Defenders of Wildlife: csexton@defenders.org; 202-772-0253 First federal sage-grouse plan to be finalized doesn’t fly with conservationists Lander Resource Management
Senior Vice President, External Affairs
lsheehan@defenders.org
(202) 772-3244
Communications Director
mdewane@defenders.org
(202) 772-0217
Communications Specialist
jcovey@defenders.org
Communications Specialist
kirby@defenders.org
(202) 772-3268