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sea lion, alaska
Washington, D.C.

House Subcommittee Considers Bills to Reverse Course on Offshore Protections

The House Committee on Natural Resources Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources is taking up legislation today that would prioritize oil and gas production over
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Endangered Florida manatee (Trichechus manatus), Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Florida
Washington, D.C.

Over 150,000 Americans Oppose Trump Administration’s Unprecedented Effort to Eliminate Habitat Protections for Vulnerable Wildlife

Over 150,000 Americans have opposed a proposed rulemaking by the Trump administration to eliminate major habitat protections for endangered species in the U.S. after it was unveiled in April — and as the period for public input concludes today.
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sandhill crane
Washington, D.C.

Defenders Strongly Opposes Proposed Rescission of ESA “Harm” Definition

Defenders of Wildlife today submitted formal comments opposing the Trump administration’s proposed rule to rescind the regulatory definition of “harm” under the Endangered Species Act.

Press Releases

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California spotted owl
Sacramento, CA

California Governor gives "fast-tracked" renewable energy projects a jumpstart today

As part of an interim conservation strategy, the law requires the Department of Fish and Game to identify new places in the desert to protect that mitigate for the impacts any approved “fast-tracked” renewable energy projects may have on California’s lands, water and wildlife.
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Polar Bear
Anchorage, AK

New safeguards for polar bears voted down at CITES meeting

Defenders of Wildlife expressed its disappointment today over the decision by the Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) not to give greater protection to the polar bear. The following is a statement by Peter Jenkins, Defenders’ Director of International Conservation.
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Pacific walrus
Washington, DC

Administration recognizes need for unified climate change adaptation strategy

Today, the White House released a report detailing the progress of the Interagency Climate Change Adaptation Task Force. The report emphasized the need for a unified course of action on climate change adaptation, recommending key components to a national strategy.
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Golden Trout Wilderness in Sierra Nevada Mountain Range
Washington, DC

Defenders of Wildlife calls on Congress to restore funding for National Wildlife Refuge System

The U.S. National Wildlife Refuge System, which fuels the economic engine of local communities in all 50 states, is under threat from an Obama Administration proposal to significantly cut the system's budget.
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Green sea turtle hatchling at Archie Carr NWR
Chapel Hill, NC

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.
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
jpetrequin@defenders.org
(202) 772-0243
Communications Specialist
zklein@defenders.org
(202) 772-3268