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In a devastating blow to wildlife, the Trump administration today formally rescinded the regulatory definition of “harm” under the Endangered Species Act, eliminating the long-standing legal interpretation that habitat destruction that leads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

Restore the Grizzly Bear to the North Cascades

For Immediate Release 1/12/2017 Restore the Grizzly Bear to the North Cascades Release of restoration strategies welcomed as a historic step towards recovery of North
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Gray wolf yellowstone Lamar valley
Washington, DC

Members of Congress Attempt to Remove Protections for Gray Wolves

U.S. Rep. Liz Cheney (WY-Al) introduced a bill in Congress on Jan. 10 to permanently remove gray wolves from the endangered species list and prevent the delisting from being subject to judicial review and lawsuits.

Feds Review U.S. Coal Program, Reforms Needed to Account for Coal’s Environmental Impacts

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Jared Saylor, (202) 772-3255; jsaylor@defenders.org Feds Review U.S. Coal Program, Reforms Needed to Account for Coal’s Environmental Impacts WASHINGTON, D.C. (January

New Plan Shines Light on Steps to Polar Bear Recovery

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Jan. 9, 2017 Contact: Leigh Anne Tiffany; (202) 772-0259; ltiffany@defenders.org New Plan Shines Light on Steps to Polar Bear Recovery Anchorage, AK

Recovery Plan Developed to Protect Endangered Cook Inlet Beluga Whale

JUNEAU, AK (Jan. 6, 2017) – The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) released its final recovery plan for the Cook Inlet beluga whale ( Delphinapterus
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