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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In a devastating blow to wildlife, the Trump administration today formally rescinded the regulatory definition of “harm” under the Endangered Species Act, eliminating the long-standing legal interpretation that habitat destruction that leads to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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2023.01.05- Right Whale Swimming with Calf-FWC-CC BY NC ND 2.0
Boston, MA

First Circuit Decision Reinstates Rule Protecting Right Whales

Conservation groups applaud a First Circuit Court of Appeals decision reinstating a 2024 National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) rule that protects critically endangered North Atlantic
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2014.06.25 - Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta - California - Steve martarano - USFWS.jpg
Washington, D.C.

Defenders of Wildlife Slams Expected Bay-Delta Executive Order

Defenders of Wildlife Ashley Overhouse, Water Policy Advisor, today issued the following statement in response to President Trump’s planned tour of the fire ravaged areas
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trees

‘Fix Our Forests Act’ Only Fixes for Logging

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. House of Representatives is expected to vote on January 23 on the misleadingly named “Fix Our Forests Act,” which aims
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The White House with a dark cloudy sky
Washington, D.C.

Defenders of Wildlife Voices Strong Opposition to Expected Trump Executive Orders

Ahead of today’s inauguration, Defenders of Wildlife is voicing strong opposition to a slate of expected executive orders that President-elect Donald Trump has proclaimed he
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Gray wolf howling on a snowy hill
Denver, CO

Colorado Welcomes Wolves from British Columbia, Releases Copper Creek Pack

Colorado Parks and Wildlife today announced successful reintroduction of 15 wolves from British Columbia, Canada to Eagle and Pitkin Counties as part of the state’s
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