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2023.04.22 - Burned Terrain from SpaceX Explosion - Texas - Coastal Bend Bays & Estuaries Program (CC BY-ND 2.0).jpg

Defenders Calls on Service to Pull Out from Habitat-Degrading Land Swap

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recently outlined its proposed land deal with SpaceX that would divest hundreds of acres across two national wildlife refuges
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right whale calf
Washington, D.C.

Trump Administration Announces First Step in Rolling Back Rule Protecting Whales

The Trump administration today took the first official step in rolling back a 2008 regulation vital to protecting critically endangered North Atlantic right whales from
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2025.03.08 - SW - Ocelot Fest - Jacqueline Covey-DOW (1).jpg

Ocelot Conservation Day Returns to the RGV

On March 7, the annual celebration of Texas’ beloved native cat, Ocelot Conservation Day, returns to the Rio Grande Valley. Now in its 29th year

Press Releases

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Hill Country State Natural Area in Bandera County
Austin, TX

Texas Judge Upholds Endangered Species Act Protections for Golden-cheeked Warbler

A federal judge in Austin yesterday ruled that the golden-cheeked warbler should remain protected under the Endangered Species Act. The Texas songbird is severely threatened by rampant urban sprawl.
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Bald eagle
Washington, DC

Statement from Jamie Rappaport Clark, CEO and president, Defenders of Wildlife on the passing of former Representative John Dingell

“A ferocious, tireless and skillful advocate for wildlife, John Dingell leaves an enduring legacy of groundbreaking protections for the nation’s endangered species, national wildlife refuges and many other aspects of our natural world."
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Scientists' Call to Action: The U.S.-Mexico Border Wall Threatens Biodiversity and Binational Conservation
Washington, DC

DHS Issues Second Waiver for San Diego Border Wall Construction

DHS announced a second waiver of 32 environmental, health and safety laws in order to build additional segments of border wall along the U.S.-Mexico border near San Diego.
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Snowy owl
Washington, DC

Dual Congressional Hearings Focus on Climate Change

Congress is holding its first hearings on climate change in the last eight years, covering the impacts of climate change and what actions are needed now to address extreme weather events like hurricanes, floods, wildfires and droughts that are exacerbated by a warming planet.
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Scientists' Call to Action: The U.S.-Mexico Border Wall Threatens Biodiversity and Binational Conservation
Washington, DC

President Trump’s State of the Union Address Emphasizes Reckless Border Security Plan

Only two weeks after his insistence on funding for a damaging and ineffective border wall triggered the longest shutdown of the federal government in history, President Trump used his State of the Union address to reiterate his divisive demands.
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