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Florida panther
WASHINGTON, D.C.

Defenders of Wildlife Submits Technical Comments and Over 8,400 Public Comments in Efforts to Stop Harmful ESA Proposals

Defenders of Wildlife today submitted its technical comments opposing the Trump administration’s proposals to weaken the Endangered Species Act’s implementing regulations.
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black-footed ferret at the nat'l black-footed ferret conservation center
Washington, D.C.

Defenders Slams SPEED Act as it Speeds Toward Habitat Destruction

Defenders of Wildlife condemns Rep. Bruce Westerman’s (R-AR) SPEED ACT, H.R. 4776 the Standardizing Permitting and Expediting Economic Development Act, ahead of Thursday’s expected floor vote in the U.S. House of Representatives.
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Roaming mountain goat
Washington, D.C.

ESA Amendments Act Poses a Historic Threat to America’s Wildlife

Defenders of Wildlife remains on high alert as it braces for the House Natural Resources Committee’s full markup of Rep. Bruce Westerman’s (R-AR) Endangered Species Amendments Act of 2025. More aptly labeled the Extinction Act, the bill seeks to eviscerate the Endangered Species Act, stripping away decades of crucial protections for America’s wildlife and their habitats.

Press Releases

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Williamson’s Sapsucker on a branch
Washington, DC

Urban Refuge in California Will Help Protect Biodiversity and Increase Equitable Access to Nature

Habitat loss is one of the main drivers of the biodiversity crisis and today, Urban National Wildlife Refuge Day, is a call to action. We must act to protect habitat for imperiled species and provide access to nature for all- specifically in Riverside County, California, one of the fastest-growing counties in the nation.
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2011.08.29 - Mesquite Sand Dunes - Death Valley National Park - California
Sacramento, Ca

Desert Conservation Groups Cheer Signing of Assembly Bill 1183

Governor Gavin Newsom has signed Assembly Bill (AB) 1183, bringing California’s desert region essential funding for conservation, recreation, and environmental education projects. Assembly Member James C. Ramos authored AB 1183, which will establish the Desert Conservation Program under the state’s Wildlife Conservation Board.
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Caribou in the Arctic Refuge
Washington, DC

House Budget Bill Invests in Natural Infrastructure to Benefit Wildlife and People

The House of Representatives’ version of the Biden administration's $3.5 trillion “Build Back Better” Act was packaged together and passed by the House Budget Committee on Saturday and includes titles from both the Natural Resources and Agriculture Committees.
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Manatee with baby
Washington, DC

40,750 People Sign Defenders of Wildlife Petition to Stop Manatee Deaths

This weekend, Defenders of Wildlife sent a petition with 40,750 signatures to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), urging swift and meaningful action to prevent more manatee deaths in Florida.
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Lesser Prairie Chicken
Washington, DC

No Time to Waste: Lesser Prairie-Chicken Needs Endangered Species Protections Now

With the public comment period now closed and consideration for protections underway, Defenders of Wildlife is urging the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) to
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
jpetrequin@defenders.org
(202) 772-0243
Communications Specialist
kirby@defenders.org
(202) 772-3268