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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

Court Ruling Means Greater Protections for California Sea Otters

NEWS RELEASE: September 21, 2015 Contact: Liz Judge, Earthjustice, 415-217-2007, ljudge@earthjustice.org Courtney Sexton, Defenders of Wildlife, 202-772-0253, csexton@defenders.org Stephanie Twining, HSUS, 301-258-1491, stwining@humanesociety.org Frank Reynolds

Landmark Decisions Fall Short of Conserving Sage-Grouse

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 22, 2015 Contact: Courtney Sexton; csexton@defenders.org, 202-772-0253 Landmark Decisions Fall Short of Conserving Sage-Grouse Despite improvements, final plans inconsistent with government’s

Conservation Wins over Exploratory Drilling in Arizona’s Mountain Empire

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 16, 2015 Contact: Courtney Sexton, csexton@defenders.org, 202-772-0253 Wendy Russell, wendy@patagoniaalliance.org, 520-477-2308 Conservation Wins over Exploratory Drilling in Arizona’s Mountain Empire Court

Federal judge rules to protect Izembek wilderness

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE AUDUBON ALASKA * CENTER FOR BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY * DEFENDERS OF WILDLIFE * FRIENDS OF ALASKA NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGES * NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

Defenders of Wildlife Announces New Office in Asheville, North Carolina

Ben Prater selected as Southeast Program Director Contact: Haley McKey, 202-772-0247, hmckey@defenders.org Washington, DC (September 8, 2015)- Ben Prater has joined Defenders of Wildlife as
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