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Defenders Slams SPEED Act as it Speeds Toward Habitat Destruction
Defenders of Wildlife condemns Rep. Bruce Westerman’s (R-AR) SPEED ACT, H.R. 4776 the Standardizing Permitting and Expediting Economic Development Act, ahead of Thursday’s expected floor vote in the U.S. House of Representatives.
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ESA Amendments Act Poses a Historic Threat to America’s Wildlife
Defenders of Wildlife remains on high alert as it braces for the House Natural Resources Committee’s full markup of Rep. Bruce Westerman’s (R-AR) Endangered Species Amendments Act of 2025. More aptly labeled the Extinction Act, the bill seeks to eviscerate the Endangered Species Act, stripping away decades of crucial protections for America’s wildlife and their habitats.
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House Vote Scheduled on Ending Gray Wolf Protections, Undermining the Endangered Species Act
The House of Representatives is expected this Thursday to vote on ending gray wolf protections, prematurely delisting gray wolves from the Endangered Species Act before
Press Releases
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California State Senate Defends Desert Water, Passes SB 307
In a resounding step towards defending desert water resources, the California Senate yesterday passed SB307, a commonsense solution to protect Mojave Trails National Monument springs, groundwater and wildlife. The legislation now advances for a full Assembly vote.
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House Appropriations Committee Moves to Fund, Protect Wildlife
The House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations passed its Fiscal Year 2020 Interior and Environment spending bill out of committee today. This environmentally progressive bill now moves to the House floor for a vote by the full chamber.
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Sen. Whitehouse, Rep. Cartwright Introduce Comprehensive Legislation to Combat Climate Change
Responding to increasing and pervasive impacts of climate change on both natural and human communities, Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Rep. Matt Cartwright (D-PA-8) introduced the Safeguarding America’s Future and Environment (SAFE) Act in the Senate and House of Representatives today.
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Trump Administration Issues More Waivers of Law For Expedited Border Wall Construction in Wildlife Refuges and Protected Lands
As published in today’s Federal Register, the Trump administration announced it will waive dozens of environmental and public safety laws in more locations in Arizona and California in order to expedite border wall construction.
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Fishing and Conservation Groups Sue Country's Largest Agricultural Water District Over Illegal Plot to Raise Shasta Dam
Yesterday, a coalition of fishing and conservation groups filed a lawsuit against Westlands Water District for unlawfully aiding efforts by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation to raise Shasta Dam.
jcovey@defenders.org
