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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In a devastating blow to wildlife, the Trump administration today formally rescinded the regulatory definition of “harm” under the Endangered Species Act, eliminating the long-standing legal interpretation that habitat destruction that leads to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

​Homeland Security Issues Environmental Waivers to Expand Border Wall

WASHINGTON (Aug. 1, 2017) – The Department of Homeland Security waived a host of environmental laws, including the National Environmental Policy Act, the Endangered Species

Legal Action Taken to Save Tiny Texas Songbird

AUSTIN, Texas— Four conservation groups filed a motion today to intervene in a lawsuit that has challenged Endangered Species Act protection for the golden-cheeked warbler

Harmful Wildlife Bill Passes Committee

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Haley McKey, 202-772-0247, hmckey@defenders.org WASHINGTON (July 26, 2017) – Today, the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee approved the Hunting Heritage

COMMENT PERIOD ON RED WOLF AND 10J RULE CLOSES

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Haley McKey, 202-772-0247, hmckey@defenders.org WASHINGTON (July 24, 2017) – Today is the close of the public comment period for the classification

Settlement Agreement Signed for Panoche Valley Solar Project

HOLLISTER, CA – The Sierra Club, Defenders of Wildlife, Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society (collectively the “Environmental Groups”), the California Department of Fish and Wildlife
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