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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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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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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
Lawsuit launched to protect sea turtles from drowning in shrimp trawls
Unusually large numbers of turtles washing ashore dead on beaches SAN FRANCISCO (05/31/2011) - Conservation groups formally notified the National Marine Fisheries Service today of
Supreme Court rejects pesticide case
Decision stands to prohibit use of carbofuran in domestic food production WASHINGTON, D.C. (05/31/2011) - The U.S. Supreme Court denied a petition today to reconsider
DOI announces plan to revamp endangered species regulations
Agency outlines improvements for landowner incentives, critical habitat WASHINGTON (05/26/2011) - The U.S. Department of the Interior unveiled a preliminary set of proposals today to
Lummis, Barrasso introduce bill to limit citizens’ ability to sue the federal government
Legislation would restrict provisions that ensure equal access to justice WASHINGTON (05/25/2011) - Rep. Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) and Sen. John Barrasso (R-WY) jointly introduced legislation
Red knot wintering population drops by more than 5,000, accelerating slide to extinction
Decline emphasizes need to list the knot under the Endangered Species Act and implement stronger protections at key U.S. stopover WASHINGTON (05/23/2011) - Summary: •
jcovey@defenders.org
