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black-footed ferret at the nat'l black-footed ferret conservation center
Washington, D.C.

Defenders Slams SPEED Act as it Speeds Toward Habitat Destruction

Defenders of Wildlife condemns Rep. Bruce Westerman’s (R-AR) SPEED ACT, H.R. 4776 the Standardizing Permitting and Expediting Economic Development Act, ahead of Thursday’s expected floor vote in the U.S. House of Representatives.
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grizzly bear in Alaska
Washington, D.C.

ESA Amendments Act Poses a Historic Threat to America’s Wildlife

Defenders of Wildlife remains on high alert as it braces for the House Natural Resources Committee’s full markup of Rep. Bruce Westerman’s (R-AR) Endangered Species Amendments Act of 2025. More aptly labeled the Extinction Act, the bill seeks to eviscerate the Endangered Species Act, stripping away decades of crucial protections for America’s wildlife and their habitats.
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gray wolf walking with paw raised and looking at camera
Washington, D.C.

House Vote Scheduled on Ending Gray Wolf Protections, Undermining the Endangered Species Act

The House of Representatives is expected this Thursday to vote on ending gray wolf protections, prematurely delisting gray wolves from the Endangered Species Act before

Press Releases

Senate bill would short-circuit Endangered Species Act protection for wolves

New legislation could set back wolf recovery, undermine federal protections for wildlife Summary: Sens. Baucus and Tester (D-MT) introduce legislation to remove federal protections for

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service “Strategic Plan” provides model for government response to climate change

Summary: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today released its final “Strategic Plan for Responding to Accelerating Climate Change.” The Service’s “Strategic Plan” identifies the

For the first time, Senate formally recognizes National Wildlife Refuge Week

Resolution hails the economic and environmental benefits of wildlife refuges Summary: Defenders commends the U.S. Senate for passing a resolution, for the first time, recognizing

Animated film shines spotlight on wolves

Art imitates life with fictional tale of wolf reintroduction in central Idaho Summary: Defenders of Wildlife partners with Lionsgate® and Crest Animation to promote Alpha

Defenders fulfills commitment on compensation

Idaho ranchers have more resources than ever before Summary: Defenders has invested more than $1.4 million since 1987 to compensate ranchers for livestock lost to
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
jpetrequin@defenders.org
(202) 772-0243
Communications Specialist
kirby@defenders.org
(202) 772-3268