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Piping Plover
Washington, D.C.

Defenders Sends Notice of Intent to Sue the Trump Administration over Rescission of ‘Harm’

Defenders of Wildlife today sent a letter to the Department of Interior and the Department of Commerce signaling its intent to sue over the administration’s rescission of the long-standing definition of “harm” under the Endangered Species Act.
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Pygmy Rabbit
Washington, D.C.

Defenders of Wildlife Raises Concerns Over Proposed BLM Rule That Would Roll Back Land Health and Grazing Safeguards

Defenders of Wildlife today submitted comments on the Bureau of Land Management’s proposed livestock grazing regulations, urging that healthy public lands and robust public participation in land management must be a priority.
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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In a devastating blow to wildlife, the Trump administration today formally rescinded the regulatory definition of “harm” under the Endangered Species Act, eliminating the long-standing legal interpretation that habitat destruction that leads to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.

Press Releases

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Robert Dewey, VP of Government Relations for Defenders of Wildlife presents Rep. Joe Neguse with the Spirit of Defenders award
Washington, DC

Defenders of Wildlife Recognizes Rep. Joe Neguse with Spirit of Defenders Award

For his work championing national policy aimed at stemming the joint climate and biodiversity crises, Defenders of Wildlife has recognized Rep. Joe Neguse (D-CO) with the Spirit of Defenders award for Public Service.
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Ashley Overhouse
LODI, CA

Overhouse Recognized for Next Generation Leadership Award in Bay Delta Work

At its annual benefit, “Where the Future Flows,” the Restore the Delta organization honored Defenders of Wildlife Water Policy Advisor Ashley Overhouse with the Next
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Gopher tortoise
Washington, DC

Defenders of Wildlife Welcomes Restoration of Automatic Endangered Species Act Protections for Threatened Species

In a highly-anticipated decision impacting our nation’s imperiled wildlife and their habitats, the Biden administration today released a re-write of damaging Trump-era Endangered Species Act regulations.
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By T. Johrendt
ALASKA

Court of Appeals Finds Izembek Refuge Land Exchange Case Moot

Today, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals vacated an earlier decision that would allow the Department of the Interior to grant private companies road access
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Cook Inlet beluga whale looking above water
ALASKA

Cook Inlet Beluga Population Estimate Points to Need for More Action

Today, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration updated its population estimate for Cook Inlet beluga whales at a median best estimate of 331 beluga whales
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