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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

Near Total Ban on Commercial Trade in #Ivory in U.S.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Haley McKey, 202-772-0247 Email: hmckey@defenders.org WASHINGTON (June 2, 2016) – Today the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service completed a final rule

Defenders of Wildlife Welcomes Bob Dreher as Senior Vice President of Conservation Programs

Contact: Jared Saylor 202-772-3255 Date: May 31, 2016 Robert Dreher is rejoining Defenders of Wildlife as its senior vice president of conservation programs. Bob previously

Federal Government’s Recycled, Flawed Plan Won’t Save Pallid Sturgeon

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Melanie Gade, Defenders of Wildlife: mgade@defenders.org; 202-772-0288 Josh Mogerman, NRDC, jmogerman@nrdc.org; 312-651-7909 Date: May 27, 2016 Federal Government’s Recycled, Flawed Plan

‘Zombie Apocalypse’ Energy Bill Passes the House - Full of Riders that Harm #Wildlife

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Haley McKey, 202-772-0247 hmckey@defenders.or g WASHINGTON (May 25, 2016)– Today, the House of Representatives passed an amended version of S. 2012, the

Draft House Interior Appropriations Bill Contains Hidden Attacks on Wildlife

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Haley McKey, 202-772 0247 hmckey@defenders.org WASHINGTON (May 24, 2016)– The House Interior, Environment and Related Agencies Subcommittee has released its draft FY
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