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Single manatee under water  swimming in the hot springs sanctuary in Florida
Washington, D.C.

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In a devastating blow to wildlife, the Trump administration today formally rescinded the regulatory definition of “harm” under the Endangered Species Act, eliminating the long-standing legal interpretation that habitat destruction that leads to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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Black bears on rocks above Anan Creek Tongass NF
Raleigh, North Carolina

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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Sea otter with head poking above the water near kelp
Washington, DC

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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A 100 lb adult male wolf was GPS radio-collared in the Mt Emily unit
Seattle, WA

WDFW Orders Killing of OPT Pack Wolves

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) announced more lethal removals from the OPT wolf pack in the Kettle Range in northern Ferry County.
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Right Whale
Washington, DC

Statement on Maine Congressional Delegation’s Letter to President Trump on Right Whale Regulations

Today, the Maine Congressional Delegation sent a letter to President Trump asking him to prevent the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) from developing new science-based regulations to protect the North Atlantic right whale from deadly fishing gear.
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Right Whale
Washington, DC

Canadian Government Takes Baby Steps to Mitigate Endangered Right Whale Deaths

In the week following the documentation of three separate entangled North Atlantic right whales in Canada’s Gulf of St. Lawrence, Canadian Transport Minister Marc Garneau announced several new measures to try to prevent additional deaths of this endangered species.
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Grizzly bear with cubs
Washington, DC

Despite False Claims, Trump’s Environmental Agenda is the Worst in Recent History

Today, President Trump will hold a White House press conference to greenwash his terrible environmental record. The Trump administration has attempted to roll back, undermine and obliterate our nation’s bedrock environmental laws, like the Endangered Species Act, Migratory Bird Treaty Act and National Environmental Policy Act among others in an effort to appease the oil and gas industry and other extractive industries making it easier to develop on our nation’s public lands.
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Condor with wings outstretched
SACRAMENTO

Lead Ammunition Officially Banned for Hunting Use in California

Today marks the official end of lead ammunition use in hunting in the state of California.
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
Communications Specialist
estern@defenders.org
202-772-0243