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Mojave Desert Tortoise
Washington, D.C.

Trump Administration Guts Public Comments for Federal Projects

The Trump administration has gutted the National Environmental Policy Act by restricting the public’s ability to participate in government decision-making and understand how our tax dollars are being spent.
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US Capitol Building Washington DC
Washington, D.C.

Senate Budget Reconciliation Strikes Heart of American Wildlife, Wild Places

Defenders of Wildlife hammered the Senate’s version of the budget reconciliation bill for striking at the heart of America’s wildlife and wild places.
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A Transient orca jumps out of the water, making an arch with its body. It's back half and tail are almost completely covered with a white wave, splash.
Salem, OR

Defenders and Partners Urge Oregon State Action on Wildlife Conservation Bill as Two Senators Block Bipartisan Effort

A landmark bill to fund wildlife conservation in Oregon is being held up in the State Senate, despite passing the House with strong bipartisan support and clearing Senate Rules.

Press Releases

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Polar Bears
Washington, DC

Administration Limits Protections for Endangered Wildlife Habitat

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration have proposed a new regulation that will redefine “habitat” and weaken protections for imperiled species listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).
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North atlantic right whale
Washington, DC

U.S. House Adopts Amendment Adding $1.5 Million to Right Whale Funds

Today, the U.S. House of Representatives adopted an amendment to the fiscal year 2021 Commerce, Justice, and Science appropriations bill, increasing funding for monitoring and researching the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale by $1.5 million.
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Kemp's Ridley sea turtle South Padre Island, Texas
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas

Cuts to Sea Turtle Recovery Program Will Hurt Species

In June, a report published by the National Park Service recommends decreasing funding for the Padre Island National Seashore Sea Turtle Science and Recovery (STSR) program, even while no alternative funding plan is in place.
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Polar Bears
Washington, DC

Rep. Huffman Introduces Polar Bear Cub Survival Act

Rep. Jared Huffman (D-Calif.) introduced the Polar Bear Cub Survival Act of 2020 in response to reports that lease sales in Arctic National Wildlife Refuge are imminent. Drilling would further threaten the critically-imperiled Southern Beaufort Sea polar bear population, especially by increasing the risk of death to newborn polar bear cubs sheltered in maternal dens in Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
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Polar Bears
Charlottesville, VA

Lawsuit: Government illegally “cut corners” to ram through NEPA changes

A group of 17 environmental organizations in a lawsuit today accused the government of racing through an industry-friendly rewrite of the National Environmental Policy Act
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
zklein@defenders.org
(202) 772-3268