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green sea turtle
WASHINGTON, D.C.

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.
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Washington monument - cherry blossoms
WASHINGTON, D.C.

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.
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Joshua tree sunset
WASHINGTON, D.C.

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

National Marine Fisheries Service Authorizes Seismic Airgun Blasting

Today the National Marine Fisheries Service will authorize five companies to conduct seismic airgun blasting activities that will harm marine mammals like dolphins and whales

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Delays Deadly Plan for Red Wolves

Last night, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced a delay of the proposed rule for Red Wolves because of the federal court ruling issued

Trump Administration Exploits Wildfires to Push Environmental Waivers, Destroy Forest Safeguards

Yesterday, Secretary of Interior Ryan Zinke published an opinion article on CNN.com with a call to Congress to leverage the Farm Bill to reopen a

Trump Administration Tries to Bury Climate Change Assessment

The Trump administration released today the Fourth National Climate Assessment, measuring the impact of climate change on the U.S. and its territories. The federal government

Trump Administration Ignores Science, Pushes More Logging, Environmental Rollbacks

Today, Interior Secretary Zinke and Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue, held a briefing call on recent wildfires and forest management. They discussed the Trump administration’s
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