Image
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Memo Underscores Trump Administration’s All-Fronts War on Wildlife
Brian Nesvik, director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, issued a memorandum explaining to FWS staff that the Endangered Species Act’s prohibition on unauthorized “take” applies only to affirmative acts intentionally and purposefully directed at a particular animal. This follows the Trump administration’s rescission of the regulatory definitions of “harm” under the ESA, which took effect this week.
Image
Court Rules Habitat Must Be Protected After FWS Attempts to Waive Protections for Less Than 40 Sierra Nevada Red Fox
Defenders of Wildlife earned a significant victory for the Endangered Species Act today when a federal district court found that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's decision to not designate critical habitat for the endangered Sierra Nevada red fox was a violation of the law.
Image
Construction on Gateway to Road through Izembek Continues
The Ninth Circuit today denied Defenders of Wildlife’s emergency motion to halt construction on King Cove Corp.’s 2.8-mile road segment leading to the doorstep of Izembek National Wildlife Refuge and Wilderness. Defenders’ request for immediate injunctive relief marks the latest stage in its larger effort to block a damaging and precedent-setting road from King Cove to Cold Bay, Alaska, that would plow through the heart of Izembek.
Press Releases
Image
Defenders' Response to Lieberman's Drilling Comments
Today, Sen. Joe Lieberman said provisions to expand offshore oil and gas drilling will remain in a draft Senate climate and energy bill he has coauthored with Sens. John Kerry and Lindsey Graham.
Image
Conservation coalition calls for clean energy in Powder River Basin of Wyoming
A coalition of conservation groups late yesterday called on the U.S. Interior Board of Land Appeals to halt the mining and sale of more than 400 million tons of coal in the Powder River Basin of northeastern Wyoming to safeguard clean air, protect the climate, and open the door for clean energy.
Image
Communications Industry and Conservation Groups Jointly Propose to the FCC Interim Processing Standards for Communications Towers
In an unprecedented effort, communications industry and conservation organizations have collaborated in drafting recommendations designed to facilitate Federal Communications Commission (FCC) efforts to protect migratory birds while enhancing the nation’s vital communications infrastructure.
Image
Defenders of Wildlife Launches Ad Campaign Directed at Discovery Communications Inc
Ads plastering the Silver Spring Metro Station unveiled today in second phase of campaign urging Discovery Communications Inc. to drop plans to broadcast "Sarah Palin's Alaska."
Image
Defenders' statement on Gulf oil spill disaster
Oil from the BP Deepwater Horizon blowout has made landfall on the Gulf coast; it is expected to hit the Delta and Breton National Wildlife Refuges before reaching the mainland. The Department of Homeland Security has declared the Deepwater Horizon Gulf spill of "national significance" and multiple agencies are mobilizing to control the spread of oil.
jcovey@defenders.org
