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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In a devastating blow to wildlife, the Trump administration today formally rescinded the regulatory definition of “harm” under the Endangered Species Act, eliminating the long-standing legal interpretation that habitat destruction that leads to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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2023.03.14 - Beaver Dam - New Mexico - Running Wild Media (2).jpg
SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO

First-of-Its-Kind Study Inventories New Mexican Beaver Dams

As part of Defenders of Wildlife’s beaver conservation initiative, a new survey, which has never been conducted in New Mexico, reveals an uneven distribution of beaver dams — and the subsequential ecological benefits — throughout the state. Commissioned by Defenders, the survey is a critical tool for the future of strategic beaver and water conservation New Mexico.
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caribou
Washington, D.C.

Defenders Condemns Attack on Alaska’s Western Arctic

The Department of the Interior today proposed repealing the Special Areas protections in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska, triggering a 60-day comment period which begins tomorrow
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Photo of the White House in Washington, DC
Washington, D.C.

Defenders Responds to Trump Extinction Budget

Robert Dewey, Defenders of Wildlife Vice President of Government Relations, today released the following statement in response to the Trump administration's updated budget request:
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elk landscape
Washington, D.C.

Defenders Decries Supreme Court Decision Dismantling National Environmental Policy Act

The Supreme Court today ruled that federal agencies may ignore foreseeable environmental impacts when approving projects, opening the door to additional pollution, degradation of federal
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US Capitol Building Washington DC
Washington, D.C.

Defenders Strongly Condemns House Budget Reconciliation Bill as Disastrous for Wildlife, Imperiled Species

Defenders of Wildlife today strongly condemns the budget reconciliation bill passed by the House as disastrous for American wildlife and imperiled species.
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