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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In a devastating blow to wildlife, the Trump administration today formally rescinded the regulatory definition of “harm” under the Endangered Species Act, eliminating the long-standing legal interpretation that habitat destruction that leads to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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Marbled murrelet
Portland, OR

Commission Turns Turncoat on Marbled Murrelet

The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission reversed their February decision to uplist the marbled murrelet to endangered under the Oregon Endangered Species Act (ESA). Ironically, this was during a meeting yesterday where the Commission was supposed to adopt survival guidelines for the marbled murrelet.
Washington, DC

House Interior Funding Bill Burdened with Even More Anti-Wildlife Riders

The House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations marked up fiscal year 2019 Interior and environment appropriations legislation today, where committee members tacked on even more

ADVISORY: Rally in Santa Teresa to protest border wall construction

In March, conservation groups including Defenders of Wildlife sued the Trump administration over waiving 25 environmental laws in an effort to speed up construction of

Arctic Refuge Threatened with Imminent Oil Exploration

The Washington Post reported today that the Trump administration has received an application from an oilfield services company to conduct 3-dimensional seismic exploration across the
Washington, DC

Defense Bill Heads to Senate Burdened with Anti-Wildlife Riders

The House of Representatives has passed a National Defense Authorization Act full of harmful anti-environmental riders that threaten the laws that protect endangered wildlife, marine
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