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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
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California Court Paves the Way for Protection of Imperiled Bumble Bees and Other Insects
California's Third District Court of Appeal ruled that the California Endangered Species Act (CESA) can protect invertebrates, including four species of imperiled native bumble bees that the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation (Xerces), the Center for Food Safety (CFS), and Defenders of Wildlife (Defenders) petitioned the State of California to protect in 2018.
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Legal Agreement Will Protect Critical Habitat for Threatened Florida Manatee
In a legal agreement with the Center for Biological Diversity, Defenders of Wildlife and Save the Manatee Club, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has committed to revise critical habitat for the Florida manatee by September 2024.
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Defenders of Wildlife Offering Reward for Information About Four Dead Wolves in Washington
Defenders of Wildlife is offering $2,500 for information after four wolves were discovered dead in Stevens County, Washington earlier this year. The information must lead to a poaching conviction.
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Court Restores Wolverine Protections While Agency Reconsiders Endangered Species Decision
The wolverine has regained candidate species status under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) following a Montana District Court decision late Thursday.
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Defenders of Wildlife Applauds Resolution Recognizing 20th Anniversary of Sea Otter Awareness Week
Just ahead of World Otter Day on May 25, Defenders of Wildlife and Sea Otter Savvy are celebrating the passage of a resolution in the California Legislature recognizing the 20th anniversary of Sea Otter Awareness Week.
jcovey@defenders.org
