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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

Forest Service Agrees to Review of Key Sierra Species

SAN FRANCISCO– Conservation groups and the U.S. Forest Service have agreed to have an independent science panel evaluate the service’s selection of plant and animal

As hurricane season begins, new report demonstrates nature is best defense against natural disasters

US should preserve and rebuild floodplains, wetlands, forests to provide protection from floods, droughts and wildfires WASHINGTON (June 1, 2012)— Preserving and rebuilding natural defenses

Costly, unnecessary road through Izembek National Wildlife Refuge wilderness threatens nation’s public lands and wildlife

ANCHORAGE – A broad coalition of local and national conservation groups delivered comments from more than 50,000 Alaskan residents and people around the country this

CA lawmakers pass bill short circuiting environmental review of controversial Calico solar project

Summary: - The California State Legislature passed a highly controversial bill (AB 1073) today allowing a single massive solar-energy project to bypass mandatory environmental reviews

Settlement Will Help Prevent Sea Turtles From Drowning in Fishing Nets

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla .(May 8, 2012) — The National Marine Fisheries Service today proposed new protections for sea turtles that would require escape hatches in
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