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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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Thanks to the Endangered Species Act, the Hawaiian Hawk is Fully Recovered
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today removed the Hawaiian hawk, the only hawk native to Hawai’i, from the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened
Defenders Announces Science Advisors
Defenders of Wildlife today announced its expanded group of Science Advisors as part of its continuing commitment to ensure science plays the leading role in wildlife conservation policy.
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Report Releases Findings on Lower Snake River Stakeholder Process as Washington Looks to Save Orcas
Today marked the release of official findings from a stakeholder process regarding the removal of four dams from the lower Snake River.
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Proposed Legislation on Military Use of Desert National Wildlife Refuge Shortchanges Wildlife Protection
Today Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) introduced legislation that would renew military use of the Nevada Test and Training Range and expand Air Force control over Desert National Wildlife Refuge.
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Bad News for Wildlife: Border Wall Funding Approved in 2020 Spending Bill
After weeks of negotiations, Congress unveiled the $1.4 trillion package that will raise discretionary federal spending by $49 billion for the rest of fiscal 2020.
jcovey@defenders.org
