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Rice's Whale
WASHINGTON, D.C.

Defenders Slams Unlawful God Squad Vote to Strip Endangered Species Act Protection from Wildlife in the Gulf

Defenders of Wildlife strongly opposes today’s vote by the Endangered Species Committee, or God Squad, to condemn species to extinction in the name of a fictitious “national security emergency.”
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Merrit Island National Wildlife Refuge at sunset
Washington, D.C.

Court Victory for Florida Wetlands Protection

The U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia ruled today that permits to build in wetlands should stay in the hands of
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Willet
Washington, D.C.

Sec. of Defense Invokes False “National Security” Rationale to Eviscerate Endangered Species Act Protections for Wildlife in the Gulf

In a litigation filing yesterday in federal district court, the Trump administration publicly admitted for the first time that Interior Secretary Doug Burgum scheduled a snap meeting of the Endangered Species Committee (the “God Squad”) for March 31 at the request of Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth.

Press Releases

Western Governors Split on Legislating on the Endangered Species Act

WASHINGTON (June 28, 2017) – The Western Governors’ Association today issued recommendations to change the Endangered Species Act (ESA) at their annual meeting in Whitefish

Izembek Bill Threatens Wildlife and Public Lands Protections

WASHINGTON (June 27, 2017) – Today the House Natural Resources Committee voted to advance H.R. 218, the “King Cove Road Land Exchange Act,” a bill

Yellowstone Grizzly Bears ‘Delisted’ from Endangered Species List

WASHINGTON (June 22, 2017) – Today, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced the formal removal of Endangered Species Act (ESA) protections for grizzly bears

New Study Provides Framework to Maintain and Protect Military Mission and Environment in California Desert

Media contact: Catalina Tresky: ctresky@defenders.org or (202) 772-0253 WASHINGTON (June 12, 2017) – Today, The Sonoran Institute released “ Evaluating Encroachment Pressures on the Military

Secretary Zinke’s Recommendations on Bears Ears a Monumental Mistake

WASHINGTON (June 12, 2017) – Today, Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke submitted a preliminary report on Bears Ears National Monument to President Trump. Secretary
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