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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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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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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
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District Court Voids Permits for ConocoPhillips' Willow Project
Defenders of Wildlife and five allied groups celebrate today’s U.S. District Court decision protecting the health of Arctic communities by upholding the law and voiding the flawed Trump-era approvals and permits for the ConocoPhillips’s Willow Master Development Plan.
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Changes Sought for Florida Manatee Critical Habitat as Deaths Set New Record
Conservation organizations today filed a formal notice of their intent to sue the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for failing to revise outdated critical habitat for Florida manatees.
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Congrats, It’s a Parrot! 12 Endangered Scarlet Macaw Nestlings Ready to Leave the Nest Box
In outstanding news and a win for endangered wildlife, 12 new scarlet macaw nestlings are about ready to fledge and leave the nest boxes Defenders
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Bipartisan Infrastructure Legislation Includes Vital Funding for Wildlife
The U.S. Senate today passed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The wide-ranging legislation includes vital funding for wildlife crossings, habitat improvements, native vegetation and invasive
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Defenders of Wildlife Speaks Out Against Wisconsin’s Proposed Excessive Wolf Quota
Last week, Defenders of Wildlife urged the Wisconsin Natural Resources Board (WNRB) to substantially cut a quota proposed by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) for this fall’s wolf hunting season to avoid further damaging the state’s wolf population.
jcovey@defenders.org
