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Single manatee under water  swimming in the hot springs sanctuary in Florida
Washington, D.C.

Trump Administration Rescinds ‘Harm’ Definition, Defenders Prepares for Court

In a devastating blow to wildlife, the Trump administration today formally rescinded the regulatory definition of “harm” under the Endangered Species Act, eliminating the long-standing legal interpretation that habitat destruction that leads to death or injury of protected species is illegal.
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Black bears on rocks above Anan Creek Tongass NF
Raleigh, North Carolina

Defenders Celebrates North Carolina General Assembly’s Historic Investment in Wildlife Crossings with Recurring Multi-million-dollar Appropriation

North Carolina's $10.2M recurring investment for wildlife crossings is a historic win, protecting both motorists and vulnerable species like black bears and red wolves. The victory is part of a years-long effort from the Safe Passage Coalition.
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Sea otter with head poking above the water near kelp
Washington, DC

Defenders of Wildlife Urges Public Opposition to NOAA’s Planned Review That Could Weaken California’s Authority to Protect its Coastline

NOAA will review California's Coastal Management Program following a directive from Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. Defenders of Wildlife urges public participation in upcoming public meetings to protect California's coast, wildlife, and state authority.

Press Releases

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Sandhill Cranes against sunset and clouds

Defenders of Wildlife Opposes “Dirty Deal” Permitting Agreement

Defenders of Wildlife is joining dozens of other environmental organizations opposing the “Dirty Deal” permitting agreement championed by Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV). If passed, the
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Okefenokee kayaking
Atlanta, Ga.

Defenders of Wildlife and Dozens of Groups Urge Interior Department to Greenlight Okefenokee World Heritage Bid

Dozens of national, state, and local organizations urged Secretary of the Interior Debra Haaland and the U.S. Department of the Interior to formally authorize the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge’s bid for World Heritage listing.
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Tricolored bat roosting
Washington, DC

Tricolored Bats Proposed for Endangered Species Act Protection

Citing the ravaging effects of white-nose syndrome, a disease that has killed millions of bats across the country, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) announced it is proposing to list the tricolored bat as endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).
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Mojave Desert Tortoise
Los Angeles, Calif.

Judge Vacates Approval of Cadiz’s California Desert Water Grab

A federal judge has vacated a U.S. Bureau of Land Management decision that would have allowed Cadiz Inc. to repurpose a mothballed oil-and-gas pipeline to
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Ocelot #2
Boca Chica, Texas

Defenders of Wildlife Demands In-depth Environmental Review for SpaceX Launch Site After Rocket Fire Burns 68 Acres of Wildlife Refuge

Defenders of Wildlife calls for a more in-depth environmental impact study (EIS) after a fire, caused by a SpaceX rocket, scorched 68 acres of protected refuge surrounding the launch site.
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
kirby@defenders.org
(202) 772-3268
Communications Specialist
estern@defenders.org
202-772-0243