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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In a devastating blow to wildlife, the Trump administration today formally rescinded the regulatory definition of “harm” under the Endangered Species Act, eliminating the long-standing legal interpretation that habitat destruction that leads to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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Sea otter family in Morro Bay California
WASHINGTON

Friends of the Sea Otter Joins Forces with Defenders of Wildlife

Friends of the Sea Otter (FSO), a California-based organization dedicated to sea otter conservation, announced today that it has made the strategic decision to close its operations and transfer its agenda, services, and assets to Defenders of Wildlife.
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San Bernardino National Wildlife Refuge
DOUGLAS, Ariz.

Document shows Border Construction Impacts to National Wildlife Refuge Groundwater, Endangered Species

Defenders of Wildlife recently obtained documentation showing border wall construction efforts in and around the San Bernardino National Wildlife Refuge in southeast Arizona are threatening ground water sources and imperiled wildlife.
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Swainson's hawk (NPS)
SAN DIEGO

EDF Renewables North America, National Audubon Society and Defenders of Wildlife Enter into a Collaborative Agreement

Defenders of Wildlife, along with partners, today announced a Swainson’s Hawk Study and Conservation Action Agreement that exemplifies the shared goals and collaboration necessary to develop renewable energy to meet California’s 100% goal while conserving important wildlife and their habitat.
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North atlantic right whale and calf
Washington, DC

Vessel Speed Limits Sought to Protect Endangered North Atlantic Right Whales

Conservation groups filed a rulemaking petition today seeking additional ship-speed limits along the Atlantic coast to protect critically endangered North Atlantic right whales. In June, a baby right whale was found dead off the coast of New Jersey, with propeller wounds across its head, chest and tail.
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Capitol Building
Washington, DC

Feinstein-Daines Wildfire Bill Would Evade Environmental Laws, Compromise Community Protection

Sens. Diane Feinstein (D-Calif.) and Steve Daines (R-Mont.) introduced legislation yesterday that would fast-track unsustainable logging, increase wildfire risk and jeopardize community safety. The measure
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