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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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In Solidarity with Ukraine
Like so many others around the world, we at Defenders of Wildlife are deeply saddened by the acts of war unfolding in Ukraine and our hearts go out to everyone affected by these horrific attacks. Our mission is wildlife, but there are many organizations whose mission is to help the people impacted by war and violence. Today we lend our voice to them.
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Martha Williams Confirmed as U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director
Martha Williams was confirmed as director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Jamie Rappaport Clark, former president and CEO of Defenders of Wildlife and former director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (1997-2001), issued a statement.
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Defenders of Wildlife Applauds Proposed Bill to Assist Endangered North Atlantic Right Whale
Today, Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) introduced the Right Whale Coexistence Act of 2022, which seeks to reduce human impacts on critically endangered North Atlantic right whales. Representative Seth Moulton (D-MA) will introduce a companion bill in the House this Friday.
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New Sentinel Landscape Designated Across Florida Panhandle
The Sentinel Landscapes Partnership, comprised of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Department of Defense (DoD), and the Department of Interior (DOI), announced the designation of the Northwest Florida Sentinel Landscape (NWFSL), encompassing approximately 7.7 million acres of the Florida Panhandle around Eglin Airforce Base.
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Judge Restores Federal Protections for Gray Wolves
A federal district court today struck down a 2020 decision by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service that removed federal protections from gray wolves across much of the U.S.
jcovey@defenders.org
