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green sea turtle
WASHINGTON, D.C.

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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Washington monument - cherry blossoms
WASHINGTON, D.C.

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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Joshua tree sunset
WASHINGTON, D.C.

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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Advocating for Biodiversity
Washington, DC

Hundreds of State Legislators Join Defenders of Wildlife in Calling for a National Biodiversity Strategy

Today, 365 legislators from 48 states and territories sent a letter to President Biden urging him to establish a national biodiversity strategy.
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Gray Wolf - Denali National Park - Alaska
McCall, Idaho

Defenders Criticizes Idaho Fish and Game Commission for Approving Lethal Wolf Control Funds

Defenders of Wildlife expressed disappointment in the Idaho Fish and Game Commission for authorizing $300,000 today for the Idaho Wolf Depredation Control Board to kill more wolves in areas where chronic livestock depredations have been reported or where ungulate populations are below management objectives.
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Red wolf staring straight on
Tyrrell County, NC

Defenders of Wildlife Announces Reward for Information on Slain Red Wolf

Defenders of Wildlife announced a reward of $2,500 for information that leads to the successful prosecution of the individual(s) responsible for illegally killing a critically-endangered Red Wolf on April 15.
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Cook Inlet beluga whale
Anchorage, AK

Defenders of Wildlife Applauds Cancellation of Cook Inlet Oil Lease Sale

Defenders of Wildlife applauded the Department of Interior’s announcement that it will not proceed with three planned oil lease sales in Alaska’s Cook Inlet and
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Endangered Florida manatee (Trichechus manatus), Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Florida
Orlando, Fla.

Lawsuit: EPA Must Protect Manatees from Water Pollution

Three conservation groups sued the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today for failing to protect manatees and sea turtles from water pollution in Florida.
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