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Offshore Oil Rig
Washington D.C.

Defenders of Wildlife Challenges Unprecedented “God Squad” Exemption Allowing Unchecked Gulf Oil Drilling

Defenders of Wildlife today announced it is taking legal action to overturn an unprecedented and unlawful decision by the Endangered Species Committee, known as the “God Squad,” to exempt federal authorizations of oil and gas activities in the Gulf of Mexico through a blanket exemption from the Endangered Species Act’s protections.
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Mt. Jefferson Landscape, Deschutes National Forest
Salem, OR

Oregon Governor Signs Historic Bill Investing in the Environment

Defenders of Wildlife is celebrating a monumental victory for wildlife, wild places and local economies in Oregon. Passed with bipartisan support and signed yesterday by
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Black-Footed Ferret Poking its Head Out
Washington, D.C.

Congress Urged to Fully Fund U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Restore Workforce

The Center for Biological Diversity, Defenders of Wildlife and more than 150 conservation groups today urged Congress to significantly increase the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s budget for endangered species conservation from $299 million to $870 million.

Press Releases

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sea otter

Increased Human Activity Poses Potential Threat to Marine Wildlife

While many types of recreational activities are still limited by covid-19, kayakers and paddleboarders are once again crowding coastal ecosystems shared by wildlife. In turn, conservation groups are fielding a surge of reports about disturbances to sea otters and other animals.
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Eastern Bluebird
Washington, DC

Court Upholds Historical Interpretation of Nation’s Bird Conservation Law

The Southern District of New York upheld a long-standing interpretation of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA). A coalition of national environmental groups, including the American Bird Conservancy, Center for Biological Diversity, Defenders of Wildlife, National Audubon Society, National Wildlife Federation filed lawsuits in May 2018 challenging the Department of the Interior’s move to eliminate protections for waterfowl, raptors and songbirds under the MBTA.
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Sea otter family in Morro Bay California
WASHINGTON

Friends of the Sea Otter Joins Forces with Defenders of Wildlife

Friends of the Sea Otter (FSO), a California-based organization dedicated to sea otter conservation, announced today that it has made the strategic decision to close its operations and transfer its agenda, services, and assets to Defenders of Wildlife.
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San Bernardino National Wildlife Refuge
DOUGLAS, Ariz.

Document shows Border Construction Impacts to National Wildlife Refuge Groundwater, Endangered Species

Defenders of Wildlife recently obtained documentation showing border wall construction efforts in and around the San Bernardino National Wildlife Refuge in southeast Arizona are threatening ground water sources and imperiled wildlife.
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Swainson's hawk (NPS)
SAN DIEGO

EDF Renewables North America, National Audubon Society and Defenders of Wildlife Enter into a Collaborative Agreement

Defenders of Wildlife, along with partners, today announced a Swainson’s Hawk Study and Conservation Action Agreement that exemplifies the shared goals and collaboration necessary to develop renewable energy to meet California’s 100% goal while conserving important wildlife and their habitat.
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