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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.
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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.
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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
Orca Task Force Final Recommendations Good, Not Bold
Governor Jay Inslee’s emergency Orca Task Force released its final recommendations today. The recommendations include an increased commitment to funding salmon habitat restoration, increasing water
Last-Ditch Congressional Attack on Wolves Heads for Floor Vote
The House of Representatives will be holding a last-ditch vote to undermine the Endangered Species Act by stripping protections from most gray wolves across the
Trump Administration Seeks Even More Arctic Industrialization
The Trump administration continued its assault today on the fragile ecosystems of Alaska’s Arctic, announcing that it is revising the management plan for the National
More Wolves in WDFW’s Crosshairs
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) announced today authorization for lethal removal of wolves in two more packs. The Togo pack is now
Lawsuit Launched to Compel Trump Administration Transparency on Arctic Refuge Drilling
Defenders sued the Trump administration today for failing to release public records related to potential exploration, leasing, and drilling on the Coastal Plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska.
jcovey@defenders.org
