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green sea turtle
WASHINGTON, D.C.

Trump Administration Calls on “God Squad” to Weaken Endangered Species Act Protections

The Trump administration today announced its intent to convene the Endangered Species Committee — colloquially known as the “God Squad”— on March 31, 2026, to consider an exemption under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) for oil and gas-related activities in the Gulf of Mexico.
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Washington monument - cherry blossoms
WASHINGTON, D.C.

Defenders of Wildlife Unveils 2025 Conservation Report Card for 119th Congress

Defenders of Wildlife today released its 2025 Conservation Report Card for the 119th Congress, measuring members’ commitment to upholding federal laws that protect wildlife conservation during its first session.
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Joshua tree sunset
WASHINGTON, D.C.

Defenders of Wildlife Sues FWS Over Extensive FOIA Request Delays

Defenders of Wildlife today filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, citing the agency’s extensive delay in fulfilling eight Freedom of Information Act requests related to land exchanges within the National Wildlife Refuge System.

Press Releases

Defenders of Wildlife Praises New Guidance to Help Agencies Account for Climate Change

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Jared Saylor, Vice President for Communications choffman@defenders.org; (202)772-3255 Defenders of Wildlife Praises New Guidance to Help Agencies Account for Climate Change

Defenders of Wildlife Praises US-Mexico Agreement on Protections for the Vaquita Porpoise

Jennifer Witherspoon 202-772-0269 jwitherspoon@defenders.org Defenders of Wildlife Praises US-Mexico Agreement on Protections for the Vaquita Porpoise; Calls for New Partnership with China to End Illegal

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to Review Imperiled Status of Lesser Prairie Chicken

Defenders of Wildlife Calls for an Endangered Listing for the Lesser Prairie-Chicken FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Jennifer Witherspoon, 202.772.0269, jwitherspoon@defenders.org WASHINGTON (July 19, 2016) –

Terrible Interior Budget Bill Filled with Extinction Riders Advances in House

Contact: Haley McKey hmckey@defenders.org 202-772-0247 Terrible Interior Budget Bill Filled with Extinction Riders Advances in House WASHINGTON (July 13, 2016) ­– Today, the U.S. House

North Carolina State Legislative Committee Calls for Killing Red Wolf Recovery Program

Fewer than 50 Red Wolves remain in the wild Contact: Haley McKey 202-772-0247 hmckey@defenders.org RALEIGH, N.C. (Thursday, June 23, 2016)– The House Natural Resources Committee
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