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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

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Announces Proposal to Downlist Manatee

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 7, 2016 Contact: Haley McKey hmckey@defenders.org, (202) 772-0247 The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced today its proposal to downlist the

Defenders Condemns Illegal Takeover of Malheur National Wildlife Refuge

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 6, 2016 Contact: Catalina Tresky: ctresky@defenders.org, (202) 772-0253 Defenders Condemns Illegal Takeover of Malheur National Wildlife Refuge WASHINGTON – On Saturday

Governor’s plan for Yellowstone bison management breaks gridlock

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 23, 2015 Contact: Melanie Gade: mgade@defenders.org ; 202-772-0288 Governor’s Plan for Yellowstone Bison Management Breaks Gridlock BOZEMAN. Mont. –This week, Governor

Victory for wildlife: Congress strikes an Omnibus funding deal free of catastrophic Anti-Endangered Species Act riders

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Haley McKey, 202-772-0247, hmckey@defenders.org Victory for wildlife: Congress strikes an omnibus funding deal free of catastrophic anti-Endangered Species Act riders WASHINGTON

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service launches closed door series of Mexican gray wolf recovery workshops

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 14, 2015 Contact: Catalina Tresky: ctresky@defenders.org ; (202) 772-0253 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service launches closed door series of Mexican gray
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