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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In a devastating blow to wildlife, the Trump administration today formally rescinded the regulatory definition of “harm” under the Endangered Species Act, eliminating the long-standing legal interpretation that habitat destruction that leads to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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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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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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Trump Administration Finalizes Irresponsible, Dangerous Waters of the U.S. Rule
Today, the Trump administration finalized a rollback to the waters of the U.S. rule. Previously, this rule protected streams, wetlands and freshwater bays and the wildlife that call them home. In New Mexico, the replacement rule could leave 90% of our waters unprotected and impact at least 20% of vertebrate wildlife.
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Annual Count Shows Washington Wolf Population is On the Rise
The wolf population in Washington has increased despite multiple lethal removals due to wolf-livestock conflict, according to the Washington Gray Wolf Conservation and Management Plan 2019 Annual Report, released by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
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Lawsuits Challenge Approval of Rio Grande and Annova Fracked Gas Export Facilities in Texas for Harm to Endangered Ocelot
Today, environmental groups filed a lawsuit challenging the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s approval of the massive Annova LNG fracked gas export terminal proposed for southern Texas, as a companion suit to one the groups filed last week challenging the Rio Grande fracked gas export facility proposed for the same area. These projects threaten to contribute to the extinction of the endangered ocelot in the U.S.
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10th Anniversary of Deepwater Horizon Tragedy Stark Reminder of Oil, Gas Drilling Risks
Today marks the 10th anniversary of the Deepwater Horizon tragedy, which killed 11 people and spilled more than 210 million gallons of oil in the Gulf of Mexico.
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Oregon's Annual Wolf Count Reveals Increase in Packs, Decrease in Wolf-Livestock Conflicts
There are six new confirmed wolf packs in Oregon, according to the annual wolf report released Wednesday by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW). The total wolf population was reported at a minimum of 158 wolves.
jcovey@defenders.org
