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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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grizzly bear in Alaska
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.
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gray wolf walking with paw raised and looking at camera
Washington, D.C.

House Vote Scheduled on Ending Gray Wolf Protections, Undermining the Endangered Species Act

The House of Representatives is expected this Thursday to vote on ending gray wolf protections, prematurely delisting gray wolves from the Endangered Species Act before

Press Releases

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Brant fly in front of Mount Dutton Izembek National Wildlife Refuge
Washington, D.C.

Burgum Signs Orders That Will Destroy Wildlife, Protected Places

Interior Secretary Doug Burgum yesterday issued a series of secretarial orders that are an attack on the Endangered Species Act, migratory bird protections and federal
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Mosquito first nation bison transfer release Chamois Andersen
Mosquito First Nation, Sask.

Historic Transfer Brings Yellowstone Bison to First Nations in Canada

A family group of Plains bison were moved across the U.S.-Canadian border this week as a gift from the Fort Peck Tribes in Montana to
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2014.06.25 - Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta - California - Steve martarano - USFWS.jpg
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA

Defenders Disappointed in Newsom Order

California Gov. Gavin Newsom today issued a state of emergency executive order that directed state agencies to waive essential flood protections to divert and store
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2023.01.05- Right Whale Swimming with Calf-FWC-CC BY NC ND 2.0
Boston, MA

First Circuit Decision Reinstates Rule Protecting Right Whales

Conservation groups applaud a First Circuit Court of Appeals decision reinstating a 2024 National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) rule that protects critically endangered North Atlantic
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2014.06.25 - Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta - California - Steve martarano - USFWS.jpg
Washington, D.C.

Defenders of Wildlife Slams Expected Bay-Delta Executive Order

Defenders of Wildlife Ashley Overhouse, Water Policy Advisor, today issued the following statement in response to President Trump’s planned tour of the fire ravaged areas
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