Image
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.
Image
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.
Image
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
Image
Western Caucus Members Push Anti-Endangered Species Act, Wildlife Extinction Package
The Congressional Western Caucus introduced a package of 19 anti-wildlife, anti-public lands, anti-Endangered Species Act (ESA) bills today. This Extinction Package would severely weaken implementation
Image
Defenders Testifying in House Subcommittee Hearing on Climate, Wildlife Impacts
Defenders of Wildlife’s senior policy analyst for climate adaptation, Aimee Delach, will deliver testimony at a legislative hearing before the House of Representatives’ Subcommittee on
Image
Judge issues preliminary injunction halting old-growth timber sale in Tongass National Forest
Today a federal judge issued a preliminary injunction that halts, for now, the initial phase of the largest timber sale approved by the U.S. Forest
Image
Interior Authorizes Transfer of 560 Acres of Public Lands for Military Use
The Department of the Interior has authorized a transfer of 560 acres of federal land to the U.S. Army for military use along the U.S.-Mexico
Image
Over 1,600 Scientists Call for Conservation Funding to Solve the Biodiversity Crisis
Today the prestigious journal Science published a letter entitled “ Solve the biodiversity crisis with funding,” coauthored by scientists at Defenders of Wildlife and universities
jcovey@defenders.org
