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Sec. of Defense Invokes False “National Security” Rationale to Eviscerate Endangered Species Act Protections for Wildlife in the Gulf
In a litigation filing yesterday in federal district court, the Trump administration publicly admitted for the first time that Interior Secretary Doug Burgum scheduled a snap meeting of the Endangered Species Committee (the “God Squad”) for March 31 at the request of Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth.
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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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New Bill Would Gut Marine Mammal Protections
Rep. Nicholas Begich (R-AK) introduced a draft bill today that would eviscerate the Marine Mammal Protection Act, the sole federal law protecting marine mammals in
More Sea Turtles Press Releases
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Defenders of Wildlife Joins OneLessStraw Campaign
Defenders of Wildlife joins hundreds of nonprofit organizations and businesses to combat plastic pollution by becoming a partner in the OneLessStraw Campaign. This movement is a commitment to reducing the consumption of single-use plastic straws, one of the most common items polluting our oceans.
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Conservation groups' comments on off-road vehicle management plan
National Audubon Society, Defenders of Wildlife, and the Southern Environmental Law Center yesterday submitted comments regarding the National Park Service's Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) on Cape Hatteras National Seashore's Off-road Vehicle Management Plan.
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Conservation groups seek stronger protections for Cape Hatteras
Conservation groups are studying proposed rules released today by the National Park Service to govern off-road vehicle use at Cape Hatteras National Seashore.
jcovey@defenders.org
