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Single manatee under water  swimming in the hot springs sanctuary in Florida
Washington, D.C.

Trump Administration Rescinds ‘Harm’ Definition, Defenders Prepares for Court

In a devastating blow to wildlife, the Trump administration today formally rescinded the regulatory definition of “harm” under the Endangered Species Act, eliminating the long-standing legal interpretation that habitat destruction that leads to death or injury of protected species is illegal.
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Black bears on rocks above Anan Creek Tongass NF
Raleigh, North Carolina

Defenders Celebrates North Carolina General Assembly’s Historic Investment in Wildlife Crossings with Recurring Multi-million-dollar Appropriation

North Carolina's $10.2M recurring investment for wildlife crossings is a historic win, protecting both motorists and vulnerable species like black bears and red wolves. The victory is part of a years-long effort from the Safe Passage Coalition.
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Sea otter with head poking above the water near kelp
Washington, DC

Defenders of Wildlife Urges Public Opposition to NOAA’s Planned Review That Could Weaken California’s Authority to Protect its Coastline

NOAA will review California's Coastal Management Program following a directive from Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. Defenders of Wildlife urges public participation in upcoming public meetings to protect California's coast, wildlife, and state authority.

Press Releases

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Mountains of Bridger-Teton National Forest
Washington, DC

Biden Administration "America the Beautiful" Report Emphasizes Importance of 30x30

Statement from Jamie Rappaport Clark, former president and CEO, Defenders of Wildlife on the Biden administration’s “Conserving and Restoring America the Beautiful" report, that emphasizes
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Washington, D.C.

Groups Call to Halt Removal of Protections for Red-Cockaded Woodpeckers

The Southern Environmental Law Center, in conjunction with Defenders of Wildlife, just sent a letter to the Fish and Wildlife Service calling on the agency to halt its efforts to remove protections for the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker.
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Arctic tern on white
Washington, DC

Statement from Defenders of Wildlife on Proposed Migratory Bird Rule

This morning, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced a proposed rule to revoke the January 7, 2021, final regulation that limited the scope of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA).
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Greater Sage Grouse - Wyoming
Washington, DC

Environmental Groups Urge Congress to End Harmful Sage-Grouse Rider

In a letter sent to key House and Senate appropriations committee leaders today, 80 environmental groups, including Defenders of Wildlife, are pressing for the exclusion
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North Fork of the American River from a high bank covered in wildflowers
Sacramento, CA

Drought Package Offers Relief for California’s Wildlife

Today, California State Senate leaders introduced a drought relief package to blunt the impacts of expected water shortages following an extremely dry winter.
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
Communications Specialist
estern@defenders.org
202-772-0243