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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.
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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.
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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
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Defenders Opposes Senate Legislation to Strip Protections from Endangered Bird
The U.S. Senate is scheduled to vote today on S.J Res. 9, an unprecedented attack on the Endangered Species Act, that if made law could
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New Report from Defenders of Wildlife and Partners Provides Guidelines for Responsibly Siting Renewable Energy Projects in Oregon
Defenders of Wildlife and partner organizations today released a new report offering guidelines for the responsible siting of renewable energy projects to minimize environmental impacts and urges greater community engagement and local benefits throughout the planning and development process.
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Defenders of Wildlife Honors the InterTribal Buffalo Council with Award
Defenders of Wildlife today announced the recipient of the 2023 Spirit of Defenders Award for Conservation Partnerships. The award honors individuals and organizations for their extraordinary accomplishments and commitment to wildlife and land conservation. This year’s honoree in the category of Conservation Partnerships is the InterTribal Buffalo Council.
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Laura Sheehan Named Senior Vice President of External Affairs for Defenders of Wildlife
Defenders of Wildlife has welcomed Laura Sheehan as the Senior Vice President of External Affairs. She will be responsible for overseeing Defenders’ communications, marketing and government relations strategies.
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Southern Resident Orcas Move Closer to Oregon Endangered Species Protections
The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission voted today to advance a petition seeking to protect southern resident orcas under the state Endangered Species Act (ESA).
jcovey@defenders.org
