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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

NM Game and Fish Commission denies Ted Turner Ladder Ranch’s appeal to support lobo recovery

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 14, 2016 Contact: Catalina Tresky: ctresky@defenders.org ; (202) 772-0253 NM Game and Fish Commission denies Ted Turner Ladder Ranch’s appeal to

Yellowstone’s plan: Switch from bison slaughter to restoration

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Melanie Gade, (202) 772-0288; mgade@defenders.org Date: January 14, 2016 Yellowstone’s plan: Switch from bison slaughter to restoration MAMMOTH, Wy. – The

CO Parks and Wildlife passes anti-wolf resolution

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 13, 2016 Contact: Catalina Tresky; ctresky@defenders.org , (202) 772-0253 Colorado Parks and Wildlife passes anti-wolf resolution A damaging blow to Mexican

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service bans import of salamander species in the face of deadly disease

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Date: January 12, 2016 Contacts: Haley McKey, 202-772-0247, hmckey@defenders.org Melanie Gade, 202-772-0288, mgade@defenders.org U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service bans import of salamander
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Fisher_FWS
Victor, ID

Northern Rockies Fishers One Step Closer to Endangered Species Act Protection

In response to a petition from the Center for Biological Diversity and allies, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced today that the Northern Rockies fisher, a rare and vanishing species, may warrant federal protection under the Endangered Species Act.
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