Image
Trump Administration Calls on “God Squad” to Weaken Endangered Species Act Protections
The Trump administration today announced its intent to convene the Endangered Species Committee — colloquially known as the “God Squad”— on March 31, 2026, to consider an exemption under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) for oil and gas-related activities in the Gulf of Mexico.
Image
Defenders of Wildlife Unveils 2025 Conservation Report Card for 119th Congress
Defenders of Wildlife today released its 2025 Conservation Report Card for the 119th Congress, measuring members’ commitment to upholding federal laws that protect wildlife conservation during its first session.
Image
Defenders of Wildlife Sues FWS Over Extensive FOIA Request Delays
Defenders of Wildlife today filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, citing the agency’s extensive delay in fulfilling eight Freedom of Information Act requests related to land exchanges within the National Wildlife Refuge System.
Press Releases
Image
Senate Energy and Natural Resources Holds Hearing on the Nomination of an Ex-Oil and Gas Lobbyist for Interior Secretary
The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee is holding a hearing today on the nomination of current Acting Secretary David Bernhardt to be Secretary of the Interior.
Image
U.S. Forest Service Moves Forward with Massive Timber Sale
The project entails widespread old-growth clearcutting on the largest island in our nation’s largest forest.
Image
Trump Administration Rolls Back Sage-Grouse Protections Across the West
Revisions to the Obama-era plans will lessen protections for the sage-grouse on tens of millions of acres across the West.
Image
Trump Administration Targets Atlantic for Risky, Dangerous Drilling
Acting Secretary of Interior David Bernhardt announced that the Atlantic will be included in the 5-year offshore leasing plan for oil and gas development.
Image
House Bill Aims to Repeal Waiver Authority for Border Wall
The bill will amend broad authority granted to the Secretary of Homeland Security to unilaterally waive “all legal requirements” to construct barriers along the border.
jcovey@defenders.org
