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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In a devastating blow to wildlife, the Trump administration today formally rescinded the regulatory definition of “harm” under the Endangered Species Act, eliminating the long-standing legal interpretation that habitat destruction that leads to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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Bald Eagle Chicks - Alaska
Washington, D.C.

Defenders Condemns Dangerous New Attempt to Gut Endangered Species Act

Defenders of Wildlife today condemned the continued assault on the Endangered Species Act by Rep. Bruce Westerman (R-AR), Chair of the House Natural Resources Committee.
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Washington, D.C.

Defenders Denounces Misleadingly Named Fix Our Forests Act 

Defenders of Wildlife once again denounced the misleadingly named Fix Our Forests Act following debate today in the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, Subcommittee on Conservation, Climate, Forestry, and Natural Resources.
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ocelot
BROWNSVILLE, TEXAS

Ocelot Fest Returns to Brownsville

Ocelot Conservation Festival, the annual celebration of Texas’ beloved native cat, returns to the Gladys Porter Zoo on March 9. Hosted by the U.S. Fish
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California Condor flying over the ocean
Washington, D.C.

Natural Resources Committee Puts Experimental Populations in Danger

Defenders of Wildlife today expressed deep concern over the House Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations’ hearing on experimental populations under the
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Nantahala National Forest
Washington, D.C.

Defenders Responds to Executive Order Aimed at Sacrificing National Forests

President Trump today has signed an executive order to curtail review under the Endangered Species Act to boost logging projects, directly threatening species protected under
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