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Offshore Oil Rig
Washington D.C.

Defenders of Wildlife Challenges Unprecedented “God Squad” Exemption Allowing Unchecked Gulf Oil Drilling

Defenders of Wildlife today announced it is taking legal action to overturn an unprecedented and unlawful decision by the Endangered Species Committee, known as the “God Squad,” to exempt federal authorizations of oil and gas activities in the Gulf of Mexico through a blanket exemption from the Endangered Species Act’s protections.
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Mt. Jefferson Landscape, Deschutes National Forest
Salem, OR

Oregon Governor Signs Historic Bill Investing in the Environment

Defenders of Wildlife is celebrating a monumental victory for wildlife, wild places and local economies in Oregon. Passed with bipartisan support and signed yesterday by
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Black-Footed Ferret Poking its Head Out
Washington, D.C.

Congress Urged to Fully Fund U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Restore Workforce

The Center for Biological Diversity, Defenders of Wildlife and more than 150 conservation groups today urged Congress to significantly increase the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s budget for endangered species conservation from $299 million to $870 million.

Press Releases

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gray wolf resting in the snow

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Releases Annual Wolf Report

The annual wolf count showed an increase of four individual wolves, five recognized packs, and one breeding pair from the previous year in Washington.
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Giant Manta Ray
Washington, DC

Conservation Groups Announce Intent to Sue to Protect Atlantic Sharks, Giant Manta Rays from Lethal Longlines, Gillnets

Defenders joined others to file notice of intent to sue the Trump administration for failing to protect oceanic whitetip sharks and giant manta rays from being killed by longlines and huge nets used by U.S. fishermen in Atlantic fisheries.
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vernal pools on Otay Mesa in San Diego County
Sacramento, CA

State Water Board Votes to Implement Comprehensive Wetlands Policy

Today the State Board voted unanimously to adopt a final State Wetland Definition and Procedures for Discharges of Dredged or Fill Material to Waters of the State (“wetlands policy”).
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Red River in New Mexico
Albuquerque, NM

Bill to Create State Wildlife Corridors Action Plan Signed Into Law

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has officially signed SB 228, the Wildlife Corridors Act, which will direct the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish and the Department of Transportation to develop a Wildlife Corridors Action Plan.
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Court Rejects Trump’s Backroom Deal for Disastrous Road through Izembek Refuge

The U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska vacated the Trump administration’s agreement to trade away internationally recognized, congressionally designated wilderness wetlands in Izembek National Wildlife Refuge to a private corporation.
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