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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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Attacks on Critically Endangered Whales Continue in Subcommittee Spending Bill
Defenders of Wildlife condemns the proposed Fiscal Year 2026 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies spending bill before the Subcommittee of the House Appropriations Committee
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New Bill Would Gut Marine Mammal Protections
Rep. Nicholas Begich (R-AK) introduced a draft bill today that would eviscerate the Marine Mammal Protection Act, the sole federal law protecting marine mammals in
More Rice's Whale Press Releases
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Communities Push Back on Opening Waters for Oil Drilling
Defenders of Wildlife filed comments this week opposing new offshore oil drilling. More than 44 thousand public comments were submitted to the first comment period
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House Subcommittee Considers Bills to Reverse Course on Offshore Protections
The House Committee on Natural Resources Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources is taking up legislation today that would prioritize oil and gas production over
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Defenders Condemns Administration's Dangerous Proposed Budget Cuts to Wildlife Conservation
Defenders of Wildlife condemns the Trump administration’s dangerous budget proposal asking Congress to cut significant resources for vital wildlife conservation.
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Defenders Releases 2024 Conservation Report Card for 118th Congress
Defenders of Wildlife today released its 2024 Conservation Report Card for the 118th Congress assessing the commitment of U.S. senators and representatives to wildlife and
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Defenders Statement on BOEM Rescission of Rice's Whale Recommendations
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management has rescinded its Notice to Lessees and Operators, "Expanded Rice's Whale Protection Efforts During Reinitiated Consultation with NMFS," which
jcovey@defenders.org
