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Appeal Aims to Preserve Protections for Endangered Rice’s Whale Habitat in Upcoming Gulf Lease Sale
LAKE CHARLES, La.— Environmental groups today appealed a court order from the Western District of Louisiana granting a preliminary injunction request by the oil industry and the state of Louisiana to remove protections for the critically endangered Rice’s whale included in Lease Sale 261.
Read more.Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge Moves Toward World Heritage List
ATLANTA— Following widespread bipartisan support, the National Park Service announced today that it will nominate the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge to join the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s World Heritage List.
Read more.Lawsuit Launched to Protect Alaska’s Whales From Increased Ship Traffic
WASHINGTON— The Center for Biological Diversity filed a formal notice today of its intent to sue the U.S. Maritime Administration for failing to consider shipping traffic’s harm to highly endangered whales and other wildlife along the Alaska coast.
Read more.Petition Seeks Groundwater Protections for Arizona’s Upper San Pedro Basin
TUCSON, Ariz.― Conservationists filed a petition late Wednesday with the Arizona Department of Water Resources that seeks to curtail rampant groundwater depletion in southeastern Arizona’s Upper San Pedro Basin.
Read more.Lawsuit Aims to Protect Grizzlies, Lynx From Clearcutting Near Yellowstone National Park
MISSOULA, Mont.— Conservation groups filed a lawsuit today challenging the U.S. Forest Service’s approval of a large timber sale just outside Yellowstone National Park that would destroy habitat for grizzly bears, lynx and other embattled species.
Read more.D.C. Council Urged to Ban Utility Shutoffs, Forgive Utility Debt
WASHINGTON— More than 40 groups urged the Council of the District of Columbia to pass legislation that protects households from utility shutoffs due to non-payment and recognize that access to utilities is a human right.
Read more.Appeal Aims to Protect California’s Pine Mountain, Reyes Peak From Massive Logging Project
LOS ANGELES— Conservation groups filed an appeal today asking the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to cancel a controversial logging and vegetation clearing project atop Pine Mountain and Reyes Peak in Southern California’s Los Padres National Forest.
Read more.Miami Cave Crayfish to Receive Endangered Species Act Protections
MIAMI— Following a legal victory by the Center for Biological Diversity, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today proposed to list the Miami cave crayfish as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. The agency also announced its intent to propose protections for the crayfish’s critical habitat.
Read more.Endangered Species Protection Sought for Rare Cave Millipede in Virginia
BLACKSBURG, Va.— The Center for Biological Diversity petitioned the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today to protect the Ellett Valley millipede under the Endangered Species Act.
Read more.Appeals Court Rejects Colorado Free Pass for Fracking Air Pollution
DENVER— A federal appeals court ruled today that Colorado’s rule allowing unlimited amounts of air pollution from drilling and hydraulic fracturing for oil and methane gas without a permit is illegal.
Read more.New Mexicans Demand End to Fossil Fuels in Historic New York Climate March
NEW YORK— A delegation of more than 50 Indigenous, environmental, youth and frontline advocates from New Mexico joined more than 75,000 people from across the country and world today to march in the streets of Manhattan and demand that the U.S. end its extraction and use of fossil fuels. The mass mobilization took place ahead of the first United Nations Climate Ambition Summit on Sept. 20, when U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres will urge world leaders to make commitments to phase out fossil fuels.
Read more.U.S. Agency Moves Forward on Reintroducing Wolves To Colorado
GLENWOOD SPRINGS, CO.— The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today released its final environmental impact statement and a draft Record of Decision for Colorado Parks and Wildlife to begin reintroducing endangered gray wolves.
Read more.Lawsuit Challenges FEMA’s Flood Insurance Program
PORTLAND, Ore.— Conservation groups sued the Federal Emergency Management Agency today over its failure to adequately protect floodplain-dependent endangered orcas, salmon and other fish in its flood insurance program.
Read more.Lawsuit Challenges Long Beach Oil, Gas Drilling Plan
LOS ANGELES— The Center for Biological Diversity sued the city of Long Beach today for approving a five-year program to drill for oil and gas within city limits without conducting the required review intended to protect public health and the environment.
Read more.Landmark Legal Settlement Locks in EPA Actions to Protect Endangered Species From Pesticides
SAN FRANCISCO— A historic legal agreement approved in federal district court yesterday afternoon commits the Environmental Protection Agency to a suite of proposed reforms to better protect endangered species from pesticides. The settlement, which covers more than 300 pesticide active ingredients, marks the culmination of the largest Endangered Species Act case ever filed against the EPA.
Read more.New Mexico Indigenous, Environmental, Frontline Groups Head to New York to Advocate for End to Fossil Fuels
SANTA FE, N.M.— More than 40 prominent New Mexican community leaders in the battle against oil and gas extraction will travel to New York City to participate in the March to End Fossil Fuels, a mass mobilization taking place Sept. 17 ahead of the United Nations Climate Ambition Summit. The New Mexico delegation will deliver a declaration and join global advocates in calling on President Biden and Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham to lead the way in phasing out fossil fuels.
Read more.Lawsuit Filed to Protect Imperiled Ghost Orchid
HOLLYWOOD, Fla.— The Institute for Regional Conservation, Center for Biological Diversity and the National Parks Conservation Association sued the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today for unlawfully delaying critically needed Endangered Species Act protection for the ghost orchid.
Read more.El Comité del Patrimonio Mundial insta a Estados Unidos a proteger sitio mexicano del muro fronterizo
RIAD, Arabia Saudita— El Comité del Patrimonio Mundial de la UNESCO solicitó hoy que Estados Unidos restablezca la conectividad ecológica del sitio de patrimonio mundial Reserva de la Biosfera El Pinacate y Gran Desierto de Altar, dañado por el muro fronterizo estadounidense. El muro impide el paso de vida silvestre, como el berrendo sonorense, entre Estados Unidos y Mexico.
Read more.World Heritage Committee Urges U.S. to Protect Mexican Site From Border Wall
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia— The UNESCO World Heritage Committee requested today that the United States restore ecological connectivity to a Mexican World Heritage site harmed by the U.S. border wall. The wall impedes wildlife passage, including for the Sonoran pronghorn, between the United States and the El Pinacate and Gran Desierto de Altar Biosphere Reserve in Mexico.
Read more.Rare Arizona Springsnail Proposed for Endangered Species Act Protection
AJO, Ariz.— The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today proposed to protect the Quitobaquito tryonia, a tiny springsnail found only at a single spring in Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, as endangered under the Endangered Species Act.
Read more.California Legislature Passes Bill Ending Exemption for Coastal Oil Development
SACRAMENTO, Calif.— The California legislature passed Senate Bill 704 today, and the legislation is awaiting Gov. Gavin Newsom’s approval. Approved by at least 80% of both the California Assembly and Senate, the bill amends the Coastal Act to remove an “industrial override” provision favoring approval for oil and gas developments along the coast, regardless of whether they meet resource protection policies.
Read more.Biden Administration Working Group Recommendations Offer First Step to Protect Communities, Environment From Destructive Mining
WASHINGTON— The Biden administration’s Interagency Working Group released recommendations today to update hardrock mining laws and regulations. Tribes and conservation groups welcomed this first step but urged President Biden to use his authority to make additional improvements to protect communities, sacred places and water resources. The administration formed the working group in February 2022 as part of its efforts around “Securing a Made in America Supply Chain for Critical Minerals.”
Read more.United States Finds China’s Pangolin Trade Undermines Wildlife Treaty
WASHINGTON— The U.S. Department of the Interior has announced that China’s failure to halt its trade in endangered pangolins diminishes the effectiveness of an international wildlife treaty. Following the certification, which was published late Friday, President Biden must decide by late October whether to impose a trade embargo against China to prompt its compliance.
Read more.Endangered Species Act Celebration to Honor Tribes, Conservation Advocates, Congressmembers
WASHINGTON— A coalition of conservation organizations will on Sept. 13 present Tribes, conservation advocates and members of Congress with awards for their work defending imperiled species and the Endangered Species Act. The ceremony is open to members of the media and will be held at the Library of Congress.
Read more.Analysis: U.S. Lags Behind Other G20 Nations at Adding Sustainability Into Dietary Guidelines
WASHINGTON— The Center for Biological Diversity today released an analysis of the dietary guidelines of the G20 countries that found the United States has fallen behind in including sustainability.
Read more.Hábitat de la vaquita marina se mantiene como “Patrimonio en Peligro”: UNESCO
RIAD, Arabia Saudita— El Comité del Patrimonio Mundial de la UNESCO decidió hoy mantener el estatus de “en peligro” el hábitat de la vaquita marina y el pez totoaba. Sólo quedan 10 vaquitas en el mundo en una pequeña zona del Golfo de California. El comité instó a México a adoptar medidas correctivas inmediatas para salvar a la marsopa en peligro crítico de extinción.
Read more.UNESCO World Heritage Committee: Vaquita Porpoise Habitat Still “In Danger”
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia— The UNESCO World Heritage Committee decided today to maintain the “in danger” status for the last remaining habitat of the vaquita porpoise and the totoaba fish. Only 10 vaquitas remain in the world, all in a small area of Mexico, and the committee urged Mexico to immediately adopt corrective measures to save the critically endangered porpoise.
Read more.Lawmakers, Youth, Frontline Advocates Rally Thursday in D.C. to Urge Biden Action on Fossil Fuels
WASHINGTON— Members of Congress, youth and climate justice advocates will rally on Capitol Hill Thursday morning to urge President Biden to use his executive powers to stop approving fossil fuel projects, phase out fossil fuels on federal lands and waters, and declare a climate emergency. The rally comes ahead of the March to End Fossil Fuels, Sept. 17 in New York City and the United Nations’ Climate Ambition Summit Sept. 20. It will include colorful banners and signs.
Read more.New Scorecard Shows New Mexico Governor on Verge of Failing on Climate
SANTA FE, N.M.— New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has failed to use the power of her office to adopt policies and take actions that address the climate emergency, according to a scorecard released today by the Center for Biological Diversity and endorsed by numerous environmental and Indigenous organizations.
Read more.Virtual Film Festival Highlights Link Between Food Justice, Sustainability
TUCSON, Ariz.— The Center for Biological Diversity will host its fourth annual virtual Food Justice Film Festival from Sept. 14 to Sept. 17, featuring award-winning films and interviews with organizers and activists. This year’s featured films are Food Chains, El Susto, Migrant Dreams and Seeding Change. The film festival is free and open to the public.
Read more.EPA Agrees to Issue Standards for Protecting U.S. Waters From Ship Pollution, Invasive Species
WASHINGTON— The Environmental Protection Agency agreed today to finalize nationwide standards that will protect U.S. waterways from harmful vessel discharges. Under the agreement, the agency must release final regulations on ballast water discharges by Sept. 24, 2024.
Read more.Ohio to Consider Strongest Clean Water Act Protections for Two Rivers
COLUMBUS, Ohio— The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency announced today that it will consider recategorizing Big Darby Creek and Little Darby Creek as Outstanding National Resource Waters — the strongest level of protection under the Clean Water Act.
Read more.Legal Victory Puts Hellbender Back on Track for Endangered Species Protection
NEW YORK— In response to a lawsuit filed by five conservation groups, a federal judge found today that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s 2019 denial of Endangered Species Act protection for the eastern hellbender salamander was arbitrary and unlawful.
Read more.Lawsuit Targets State of Utah for Failing to Protect Great Salt Lake
SALT LAKE CITY— Conservation and community groups sued the state of Utah today for its failure to ensure that enough water reaches the Great Salt Lake to prevent ecological collapse.
Read more.Lawsuit Launched to Protect Grizzlies, Lynx from Clearcutting Project Near Yellowstone National Park
MISSOULA, Mont.— Conservation groups filed a formal notice today of their intent to sue the U.S. Forest Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for approving a massive timber sale on the border of Yellowstone National Park that would destroy habitat for grizzly bears, lynx and other embattled wildlife.
Read more.Miami-Dade Commissioners to Vote on Future of Miami Wilds Development
MIAMI— Following a lawsuit filed by conservation groups, the Board of County Commissioners for Miami-Dade County will meet Wednesday, Sept. 6, to vote on the future of the Miami Wilds theme park, retail, hotel and parking lot development. The development threatens several endangered species and their critical habitat on and around the proposed project area.
Read more.Global Plastics Treaty Chair Releases ‘Zero Draft’ Ahead of Third Meeting
NAIROBI— The chair of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on Plastic Pollution released the “zero draft” of the global plastics treaty today. This preliminary document is a starting point for negotiations. The treaty’s third negotiating session, or INC-3, will begin in Nairobi, Kenya, on Nov. 13.
Read more.Oregon Agency Ramps Up Wolf Killing to Appease Livestock Industry
PORTLAND, Ore.— Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife officials today announced the killing of two members of the Wildcat pack, one of three wolf families for whom the department has issued kill orders in the past six weeks.
Read more.Four New Yet-To-Be-Named Wolf Packs Confirmed in California
SAN FRANCISCO— The California Department of Fish and Wildlife reported today that four new packs of wolves have been confirmed in California in the past five months.
Read more.Study: 12% of Americans Account for 50% of U.S. Beef Consumption
NEW ORLEANS— New research from Tulane University, supported by the Center for Biological Diversity, found that half of all beef eaten on a given day in the United States is consumed by 12% of the population.
Read more.Mexican Gray Wolves Receive More Protections From Government Killings
TUCSON, Ariz.— Wildlife Services, a program of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, has released a new set of standards it will use to determine the cause of livestock deaths in Arizona and New Mexico. Conservation groups have sought such changes to ensure Mexican gray wolves aren’t unfairly blamed for livestock deaths.
Read more.Analysis: Campus Contraception, Sex Ed Access Vary Widely Across Country
TUCSON, Ariz.— Contraception access and sex education on college campuses vary widely and are sorely lacking at many schools across the country, according to a Center for Biological Diversity analysis released today.
Read more.Appeals Court Strikes Down Forest Service Approval of Gold Drilling in California’s Eastern Sierra Nevada
SAN FRANCISCO— A federal appeals court reversed the decision of a lower court that would have allowed exploratory drilling in California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains. The drilling threatened to harm an endangered fish and a dwindling population of bi-state sage grouse.
Read more.Pillar Coral Proposed for Increased Endangered Species Act Protection
WASHINGTON— The National Marine Fisheries Service proposed today to change the status of the pillar coral, a species found in Florida waters and elsewhere in the Caribbean, from threatened to endangered under the Endangered Species Act. The proposal is based on population declines and susceptibility to a recently emerged coral disease, according to the Service.
Read more.Four California Foothill Yellow-legged Frog Populations Protected Under Endangered Species Act
SACRAMENTO, Calif.— In response to a Center for Biological Diversity petition and lawsuits, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today protected four populations of foothill yellow-legged frogs in California under the Endangered Species Act. The protected frog populations are in the southern Sierra Nevada foothills, North Feather River, Central Coast and South Coast.
Read more.Lawsuit Challenges Massive Offshore Lease Sale for Failing to Consider Gulf Communities, Climate
WASHINGTON— Gulf community and environmental groups sued the Interior Department today to challenge an offshore oil and gas lease sale that would offer up more than 67 million acres in the Gulf of Mexico. The department plans to hold the sale Sept. 27.
Read more.Lawsuit Spurs Agreement to Better Protect Endangered Rice’s Whales From Offshore Drilling
BALTIMORE— Under an agreement approved today in U.S. District Court in Maryland, federal agencies will seek better ways to protect endangered Rice’s whales and other imperiled marine species from harmful oil and gas drilling in the Gulf of Mexico.
Read more.Court Order Sought to Block Clearcutting Project Near Nevada’s Great Basin National Park
LAS VEGAS, Nev.— Conservation groups, joined by Tribal leaders, filed a motion for a preliminary injunction today to block a Bureau of Land Management deforestation project on public lands near Nevada’s Great Basin National Park.
Read more.Court Petition Seeks Reversal of Water Diversion Threatening Utah’s Green River
DENVER— Conservation groups asked a federal appeals court today to reconsider a decision allowing Utah to divert tens of thousands of additional acre-feet of water each year from the Upper Colorado River Basin at the Green River below Utah’s Flaming Gorge Dam.
Read more.Federal Judge to Hear Arguments Thursday on Mining Exploration in Arizona’s Patagonia Mountains
TUCSON, Ariz.— A federal judge will hear arguments Thursday on conservation groups’ request for a preliminary injunction to stop two mineral exploration projects in southern Arizona’s Patagonia Mountains. In June the groups filed a lawsuit challenging the U.S. Forest Service’s approval of the projects, which could result in around-the-clock drilling in the biologically sensitive habitat for up to seven years.
Read more.Only Four Collared Wild Mexican Gray Wolves Survive in Mexico
TUCSON, Ariz.— Conservationists sent a letter to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today warning about the severely low numbers of Mexican gray wolves in Mexico. The agency relies on the Mexican population of wolves as a buttress against extinction in the United States.
Read more.Lawsuit Challenges Massive Habitat Reduction for Endangered Snakes in Arizona, New Mexico
TUCSON, Ariz.— The Center for Biological Diversity sued the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today for reducing critical habitat for two endangered snakes in Arizona and New Mexico by more than 90% from its original proposal.
Read more.Biden Administration Urged to Ditch Planned Hydrogen Investments
WASHINGTON— A nationwide coalition of more than 180 conservation, Indigenous, faith, labor and social justice organizations urged the Biden administration today to scrap plans to rapidly expand investment in the production and use of hydrogen. The U.S. Department of Energy is championing hydrogen as a supposed climate solution despite the heavy reliance of fossil fuels in its production.
Read more.Judge Rules EPA Failed to Protect Endangered Wildlife From Cadmium Water Pollution
TUCSON, Ariz.— In a precedent-setting decision, a federal judge ruled late Friday that the Environmental Protection Agency violated the Endangered Species Act in 2016 when it failed to assess harms to endangered species before nearly tripling the levels of the heavy metal cadmium allowed in U.S. waters. The ruling, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona, follows a 2022 lawsuit filed by the Center for Biological Diversity.
Read more.Analysis: Plant-Based Diets Are Key to Climate Change Emergency Response
TUCSON, Ariz.— A new scientific review by the Center for Biological Diversity finds that plant-based diets can help ease the public health challenges of climate-fueled environmental emergencies. The review also found that federal nutrition policy falls far short of preparing the public for the health and environmental crises they face.
Read more.Four Freshwater Mussels, One Crayfish Proposed for Endangered Species Protection
NASHVILLE, Tenn.— In response to a legal petition and lawsuit from the Center for Biological Diversity, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today proposed to protect four freshwater mussels and a crayfish under the Endangered Species Act. The Center and its allies petitioned for protection of all five species in 2010.
Read more.Two Texas Catfish Proposed for Endangered Species Protections
SAN ANTONIO— Responding to a Center for Biological Diversity lawsuit, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today proposed to protect two aquifer-dwelling catfish in Texas as endangered species. The agency has been aware since 1982 that the toothless blindcat and the widemouth blindcat were being killed when they were pumped up from deep wells in the Edwards Aquifer and were headed toward extinction.
Read more.Rare Oregon, Northern California Sand Dune Phacelia Protected Under Endangered Species Act
ASHLAND, Ore.— In response to a petition and lawsuit by the Center for Biological Diversity, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today protected the sand dune phacelia as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. The agency also designated 180 acres as protected critical habitat for this coastal dune plant in 13 units in Coos and Curry counties in southern Oregon, and Del Norte County, California.
Read more.Idaho Club Renews Plan to Build Housing, Marina on Trestle Creek, Threatening Imperiled Fish
SANDPOINT, Idaho— A developer has renewed plans to build luxury housing and a private marina on the shores of Idaho’s Trestle Creek with a proposal that would harm a key spawning site for threatened bull trout.
Read more.More Than 140,000 Americans Call on Biden Administration to Restore Endangered Species Act
WASHINGTON— The Center for Biological Diversity joined more than 140,000 people today urging the Biden administration to restore the full power of the Endangered Species Act. The public comments submitted today are in response to the Biden administration’s proposal to retain most of the Trump-era regulations that severely weakened protections for our nation’s most imperiled animals and plants.
Read more.Appeals Court Throws Out Permit for Utah’s Uinta Basin Railway
WASHINGTON— A federal appeals court today rejected the U.S. Surface Transportation Board’s permit for the proposed Uinta Basin Railway, designed to quadruple oil production in Utah’s Uinta Basin and move crude through the Colorado Rockies to Gulf Coast refineries.
Read more.Court Scraps Massive Montana Logging Project Threatening Grizzlies, Old Forests
MISSOULA, Mont.— A federal judge late Thursday ruled in favor of conservation groups and scrapped the massive Black Ram logging project in Montana’s Kootenai National Forest. The project threatened a small and imperiled population of grizzly bears near the Montana-Canada border.
Read more.Rare Alabama Mussel Saved From Certain Extinction
STEELE, Ala.— The Center for Biological Diversity and allies celebrated a win today when Alabama Power filed a petition to surrender its preliminary permit for the Chandler Mountain pumped storage project.
Read more.Bass Population Doubles Below Glen Canyon Dam, Worsening Extinction Risk for Rare Grand Canyon Fish
GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK, Ariz.— Federal researchers reported Wednesday that despite last fall’s eradication efforts the number of invasive smallmouth bass more than doubled in the Colorado River below Glen Canyon Dam since last year, imperiling the already threatened native humpback chub.
Read more.North Carolina’s Magnificent Ramshorn Snail Receives Endangered Species Act Protections
WILMINGTON, N.C.— In response to a petition and lawsuit from the Center for Biological Diversity, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today issued a final rule protecting North Carolina’s magnificent ramshorn snail as endangered under the Endangered Species Act. The agency also designated two ponds and 739 acres in the Cape Fear River watershed as critical habitat for the snail.
Read more.Buscan protección para el lince en México
LA PAZ, México— El Centro para la Diversidad Biológica solicitó hoy a la Secretaría de Medio Ambiente y Recursos Naturales (Semarnat) que proteja a los linces bajo la lista de especies en riesgo. Los linces enfrentan numerosas amenazas, incluidas el comercio ilegal, la caza, la pérdida de hábitat, la urbanización, las colisiones con vehículos y el muro fronterizo de EE. UU.
Read more.Protections Sought to Safeguard Mexican Bobcats
LA PAZ, Mexico— The Center for Biological Diversity petitioned Mexico’s environmental ministry today to protect bobcats under the country’s list of species at risk. Mexican bobcats face numerous threats, including illegal trade, hunting, habitat loss, urbanization, vehicle collisions and the U.S. border wall.
Read more.Lawsuit Launched to Challenge Massive Timber Sale in Montana’s Bitterroot National Forest
MISSOULA, Mont.— The Center for Biological filed a formal notice today of its intent to sue the U.S. Forest Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for approving a massive timber sale in Montana’s Bitterroot National Forest. The proposed logging project is in the heart of the Bitterroots and in important habitat for both bull trout and grizzly bears, two species protected as threatened under the Endangered Species Act.
Read more.Texas Kangaroo Rats Proposed for Endangered Species Protection
WICHITA FALLS, Texas— Responding to a Center for Biological Diversity lawsuit, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today proposed to protect the Texas kangaroo rat as an endangered species. The agency also proposed protecting 597,069 acres in Childress, Cottle, Hardeman, Wichita and Wilbarger counties in North Texas as critical habitat for the animals.
Read more.Rare Nevada Butterfly Moves Closer to Endangered Species Protection
RENO, Nev.— Responding to a petition from the Center for Biological Diversity, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced today that the bleached sandhill skipper, an extremely rare species of butterfly found only in far northern Nevada, may warrant protection under the Endangered Species Act.
Read more.U.S. Proposes Ban on Imports, Exports of Banggai Cardinalfish
WASHINGTON— NOAA Fisheries has announced a proposed rule to ban the import and export of threatened Banggai cardinalfish, following a 2021 petition from conservation groups.
Read more.Inflation Reduction Act Anniversary Raises Urgency for Biden to Declare Climate Emergency
WASHINGTON— One year after President Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act, the need is more urgent than ever for him to declare a climate emergency, phase out fossil fuels, and fast-track distributed energy systems.
Read more.Court Rejects Trump Administration Denial of Critical Habitat Protection to Endangered Rusty Patched Bumblebees
WASHINGTON— A federal judge on Friday rejected the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s decision to refuse to designate critical habitat for highly endangered rusty patched bumblebees and ordered the Service to reconsider.
Read more.Reward Raised to $15,000 for Information on Red Wolf Killing in North Carolina
RALEIGH, N.C.— The Center for Biological Diversity today increased the reward to $15,000 for information leading to a successful prosecution in the illegal killing of an endangered red wolf in Washington County, North Carolina.
Read more.Napa County to Decide Fate of Controversial Vineyard Project Tuesday
NAPA, Calif.— The Napa County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday will consider the controversial Le Colline vineyard project proposed in Angwin. The vineyard conversion project would destroy 28 acres of forest and shrublands, block a crucial wildlife corridor and increase wildfire risk and could pollute a nearby creek and lake that supply Napa’s drinking water.
Read more.Lawsuit Challenges Federal Approval of Alaska LNG Exports
ANCHORAGE, Alaska— Conservation groups sued the federal government today for approving exports from the Alaska LNG Project, which would transport gas from Alaska’s North Slope to Asia.
Read more.Court Dismisses Utah Suits, Upholds Presidential Authority to Establish National Monuments
SALT LAKE CITY— A federal judge today dismissed two lawsuits filed by the state of Utah that attempted to undo President Biden’s restoration of Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante national monuments and attacked the Antiquities Act as unlawful.
Read more.Court Ruling Signals Gray Wolves Need More Regions to Recover
WASHINGTON— A federal judge today refused to dismiss the Center for Biological Diversity’s lawsuit against the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, saying the agency has not met federal requirements for a nationwide gray wolf recovery plan.
Read more.Environmental Groups Ask to Join EPA Fight Against Colorado Effort to Hide Air-Pollution Data
DENVER— The Center for Biological Diversity and 350 Colorado asked a court today for permission to join the Environmental Protection Agency’s fight against a Polis administration lawsuit seeking to block public access to data detailing oil and gas industry air pollution.
Read more.Habitat Protections Proposed for Endangered New Mexico Butterfly
CLOUDCROFT, N.M.— The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today proposed designating nine areas in New Mexico, totaling 1,637 acres, as critical habitat for the endangered Sacramento Mountains checkerspot butterfly.
Read more.New Mexico Governor Urged to Ban Oil Wells Near Schools to Protect Children
SANTA FE, N.M.— Environmental, public health and social justice groups today urged New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham to establish statewide health buffer zones to prohibit oil and gas wells within one mile of schools and other educational facilities.
Read more.Lawsuit Challenges Denial of Endangered Species Protection to Gopher Tortoise
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.— The Center for Biological Diversity and Nokuse Education, Inc. sued the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today for denying Endangered Species Act protections to gopher tortoises across most of their range. The decision left the imperiled reptiles without lifesaving federal safeguards in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and most of Alabama.
Read more.Threatened Caribbean Corals Receive Critical Habitat Protections
WASHINGTON— The National Marine Fisheries Service announced critical habitat designations today for five species of Caribbean corals. The agency’s final rule protects 6,500 square miles of marine habitat in Florida, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Navassa Island and the Flower Gardens Banks in the Gulf of Mexico.
Read more.Lawsuit Launched Challenging Montana’s Wolf Trapping Program
HELENA, Mont.— The Center for Biological Diversity notified the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today of its intent to sue over the permitting of a Montana wolf pelt export program that may harm endangered Canada lynx.
Read more.Landmark Water Case Reaches Nevada Supreme Court
CARSON CITY, Nev.— A 15-year campaign to stop real estate developers and water speculators from building a sprawling new city in the middle of the Nevada desert will come before the state Supreme Court today.
Read more.EPA Petitioned to Require Accurate Measurement of Smog-Causing Pollution From Flares at Four Colorado Oil, Gas Well Pads
WELD COUNTY, Colo.— Conservation and public-health groups have filed a petition urging the Environmental Protection Agency to require adequate testing of the toxic air pollution emitted by four oil and gas well pads owned and operated by the Bonanza Creek Energy Operating Company.
Read more.Biden Designates Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni – Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument
GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK, Ariz.— President Biden used the Antiquities Act today to designate the Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni – Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument in northern Arizona, permanently protecting nearly 1 million acres of public land surrounding the iconic national park. Proposed to the Biden administration by the Grand Canyon Tribal Coalition, Baaj Nwaavjo means “where tribes roam” for the Havasupai Tribe, and I’tah Kukveni means “our ancestral footprints” in Hopi.
Read more.Climate, Air Pollution Protest Targets Biden Fossil Fuel Plan for Colorado’s Front Range
DENVER— The Center for Biological Diversity and WildEarth Guardians today challenged the Bureau of Land Management’s plan to continue fossil fuel leasing in eastern Colorado, including the Front Range. The Eastern Colorado Resource Management Plan will govern 658,200 acres of public lands and more than 3 million acres of federal minerals, including oil, gas, and coal, for up to 20 years.
Read more.Thousands Oppose Industrial Carbon Waste Dumping in National Forests
WASHINGTON— More than 9,000 people today urged the U.S. Forest Service to halt plans to allow carbon waste from industrial sources like fossil fuel power plants to be dumped in national forests.
Read more.Oil Company Ordered to Permanently Close Oil Wells, Restore Habitat in California’s Carrizo Plain National Monument
SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY, Calif.― The Bureau of Land Management late Wednesday ordered an oil company to permanently close and remove 11 long-dormant oil wells inside the Carrizo Plain National Monument, a unique landscape in central California famous for its vibrant springtime wildflower displays and rare wildlife.
Read more.Collective Bargaining Agreement Ratified at Center for Biological Diversity
TUCSON, Ariz.— The Center for Biological Diversity and the Workers for Biological Diversity today announced the ratification of a collective bargaining agreement. The agreement, codifies many Center policies and benefits, increases traditional raises and paid time off, enhances consistency and transparency, and upholds the organization’s longstanding commitment to equity and diversity.
Read more.Legal Agreement Will Help Protect Endangered Wildlife From Pesticides Applied to Waterways
WASHINGTON— The Center for Biological Diversity has reached a legal agreement requiring two federal agencies to assess harms to threatened and endangered wildlife from the direct application of pesticides to waters.
Read more.EPA Petitioned to Update 47-Year-Old Toxic Pollutant List
PORTLAND, Ore.— Conservation groups submitted a formal legal petition today urging the Environmental Protection Agency to add more than 1,000 industrial and commercial pollutants to its outdated list of toxic pollutants requiring regulation under the Clean Water Act.
Read more.Lawsuit Challenges National Forest Policies Favoring Cows Over Endangered Species in Arizona
TUCSON, Ariz.— The Center for Biological Diversity and Maricopa Audubon sued the U.S. Forest Service today to challenge policies that protect cattle grazing at the expense of endangered species and native wildlife dependent on fragile streams in the Coronado National Forest in Arizona.
Read more.To Address Deadly Heat, Policymakers Must Ban Utility Shutoffs, Ramp Up Solar, Phase Out Fossil Fuels
WASHINGTON— More than 170 social justice, environmental, faith, health and labor groups urged key policymakers today to implement lifesaving bans on utility disconnections, ramp up renewable energy and resilient water systems, and phase out fossil fuels — the root cause of this summer’s extreme heat. The groups say President Biden’s Thursday announcement of limited measures to help communities survive deadly, record-shattering heat ignores the urgent short- and long-term solutions needed to address the climate emergency.
Read more.EPA Makes Pesticide Incident Reports Publicly Available for First Time
WASHINGTON— The Environmental Protection Agency announced today that it will make the most recent 10 years of pesticide incident reports available to the public in a searchable database to be updated every month.
Read more.Three Brazilian Butterflies Proposed for U.S. Endangered Species Protection
WASHINGTON— The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposed protecting three Brazilian butterflies under the Endangered Species Act today. The proposed protections respond to a legal agreement stemming from a Center for Biological Diversity lawsuit filed in 2021.
Read more.Lawsuit Aims to Protect 20 Threatened Coral Species in Caribbean, Indo-Pacific
HONOLULU— The Center for Biological Diversity sued the National Marine Fisheries Service today for failing to protect 20 coral species in the Caribbean and Indo-Pacific. The corals all received Endangered Species Act listings in 2014 but not protections offered by the law, including prohibitions on collection and sale.
Read more.Lawsuit Launched to Protect Nantahala-Pisgah Forest in North Carolina From Destructive Logging
ASHEVILLE, N.C.— Conservation groups filed a formal notice of their intent to sue the U.S. Forest Service to protect the Nantahala-Pisgah National Forest from a disastrous forest plan that threatens imperiled species, including endangered bats.
Read more.AgLogic Asks EPA to Dramatically Expand Florida Use of Dangerous Pesticide
WASHINGTON— Pesticide-maker AgLogic has asked the Environmental Protection Agency to approve use of the dangerous pesticide aldicarb on Florida oranges and grapefruits.
Read more.Lawsuit Launched Over Denial of Endangered Species Protection to Bridled Darter
ATLANTA, Ga.— The Center for Biological Diversity has just notified the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service it intends to sue the agency for denying Endangered Species Act protection to a fish called the bridled darter.
Read more.Freshwater Mussel Proposed for Protection in Seven Eastern States
WASHINGTON— In response to a legal petition from the Center for Biological Diversity, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today proposed to protect the green floater, a freshwater mussel found from New York to North Carolina, as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. The Service also proposed designating 1,586 stream miles of critical habitat.
Read more.Key Private Property in Bears Ears National Monument to Be Protected Forever
BLUFF, Utah— After a 16-month effort, the most important parcel of private land surrounded by Bears Ears National Monument has been permanently protected by The Wildlands Conservancy. The conservancy owns and manages the largest nonprofit nature preserve system on the West Coast.
Read more.Dozens of Southern Animals, Plants Closer to Endangered Species Protections
WASHINGTON— In response to a lawsuit by the Center for Biological Diversity, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today agreed to issue long overdue decisions on whether 31 Southeast and two Southwest animals and plants warrant protection under the Endangered Species Act.
Read more.Two Texas Mussels Move Closer to Endangered Species Protections
LAREDO, Texas— Responding to a 2020 lawsuit by the Center for Biological Diversity, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today proposed to protect two species of Texas freshwater mussels under the Endangered Species Act and designate critical habitat for them.
Read more.Report: Carbon Storage, Sequestration Value of California’s Native Habitats Overlooked
OAKLAND, Calif.— The untapped potential of carbon storage and sequestration in different native habitats is too often ignored in California’s land-use decisions, according to a new report published today by the Center for Biological Diversity.
Read more.Groups Win Legal Challenges to Massive Bay Area Biofuel Refinery Projects
MARTINEZ, Calif.— Communities for a Better Environment and the Center for Biological Diversity won legal victories today over Contra Costa County’s approval of two proposed biofuel refinery conversions in the Bay Area. The Superior Court of Contra Costa County found the county relied on incomplete and misleading environmental reviews in violation of the California Environmental Quality Act, or CEQA.
Read more.U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Invests $5.1 Million to Save Endangered Butterflies, Fish, Plants, Mollusks
WASHINGTON— The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced today that it is providing $5.1 million to fund crucial conservation work for some of the most critically imperiled plants and animals in the nation.
Read more.Biden Oil and Gas Proposal Marks Massive Climate Failure
WASHINGTON— The Biden administration released proposed regulations today that would continue expanding oil and gas extraction on federal public lands, marking yet another major climate failure by the administration.
Read more.BLM Halts Drilling Near Nevada’s Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge
LAS VEGAS, Nev.— The Bureau of Land Management has officially withdrawn its authorization of a proposed lithium mining exploration project at the edge of Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge in southern Nevada.
Read more.Interior Department Urged to Deploy Solar Power on Federal Canals
WASHINGTON— More than 125 groups are urging the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and the Interior Department to develop a new initiative to deploy solar power above the nearly 8,000 miles of canals owned and operated by the federal government.
Read more.Nearly Half a Million People Call on Forest Service to Protect Mature, Old-growth Forests, Trees
WASHINGTON— More than 488,000 people are calling on the U.S. Forest Service to protect mature and old-growth trees and forests from logging on federal land as a cornerstone of U.S. climate policy.
Read more.House Republicans Advance Funding Bill Attacking Environment, Endangered Species
WASHINGTON— The House Appropriations Committee passed a funding bill today with massive cuts to the U.S. Department of Interior and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The legislation, passed along party lines, also contains dozens of poison pill riders attacking public health, the environment and endangered species.
Read more.Lawsuit Launched Over Critical Habitat Delay for Endangered Arizona Squirrels
TUCSON, Ariz.— The Center for Biological Diversity and Maricopa Audubon notified the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today of their intent to sue the agency for its delay in protecting habitat essential to the survival and recovery of southeast Arizona’s highly endangered Mount Graham red squirrels.
Read more.Energy Department Refuses to Set Standards for Evaluating New Gas Exports
WASHINGTON— After a 10-year delay, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) on Tuesday denied a petition for rulemaking calling on the agency to issue regulations defining whether proposed gas exports are consistent with the public interest.
Read more.Legal Petition Seeks Enforceable Rules to Prevent Washington Wolf Killings
SEATTLE— Conservation groups petitioned the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission Tuesday for rules requiring the use of nonlethal deterrence measures before killing wolves. The petition comes after the commission failed to adopt similar rules last year despite Gov. Jay Inslee’s order to undergo rulemaking.
Read more.Cactus Ferruginous Pygmy Owl Again Protected Under Endangered Species Act
TUCSON, Ariz.— Following multiple petitions and lawsuits, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today again protected the cactus ferruginous pygmy owl as threatened under the Endangered Species Act after it lost protections 17 years ago.
Read more.Center for Biological Diversity Rallies for Tribes’ Grand Canyon National Monument Proposal
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz.— Center for Biological Diversity members are traveling from across Arizona today to support the Grand Canyon Tribal Coalition’s proposed Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni Grand Canyon National Monument at a federal listening session in Flagstaff. Baaj Nwaavjo means “where tribes roam” for the Havasupai Tribe, and I’tah Kukveni means “our ancestral footprints” for the Hopi Tribe.
Read more.Hundreds of Different Species Identified in Craggy Mountains BioBlitz in North Carolina
ASHEVILLE, N.C.— The Center for Biological Diversity and its partners recently completed a bioblitz in the proposed Craggy National Scenic Area that identified more than 1,600 organisms and 647 species. Dozens of expert naturalists and hundreds of community scientists teamed up to explore the Craggy Mountains in North Carolina and identify as many plant and animal species as possible.
Read more.Critical Habitat Protection Proposed for Green Sea Turtles
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.— In response to a legal agreement with environmental groups, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and NOAA Fisheries today proposed to designate roughly 8,850 acres of beaches and nearly 428,000 square miles of coastal waters as protected critical habitat for six distinct populations of green sea turtles.
Read more.FEMA Pulls Oregon Logging Road Funding In Response to Lawsuit
PORTLAND, Ore.— In response to a lawsuit filed Monday by the Center for Biological Diversity and Cascadia Wildlands, the Federal Emergency Management Agency has pulled its authorization of federal disaster relief funding to rebuild Cook Creek Road. The road would have been used for logging in Oregon’s Tillamook State Forest.
Read more.Legal Agreement Following Court Win Secures Plan to Protect Pacific Humpbacks From Deadly Entanglements
SAN FRANCISCO— The National Marine Fisheries Service agreed today to establish a team to reduce whale entanglements in a federal fishery off the West Coast in a legal agreement with the Center for Biological Diversity. The Service will establish the team by Oct. 31, 2025.
Read more.Golden Paintbrush Recovery Is Latest Endangered Species Act Success Story
PORTLAND, Ore.— The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today finalized removing the golden paintbrush from the endangered species list after the flowering plant recovered in the Pacific Northwest.
Read more.Biden Declines to Embargo Products From Mexico Despite Vaquita Violation
WASHINGTON— President Biden announced today that he will not embargo products from Mexico despite the country’s failure to halt illegal wildlife trade threatening the critically endangered vaquita porpoise.
Read more.Court Order Sought to Block Drilling at Nevada’s Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge
LAS VEGAS, Nev.— Conservation advocates asked a federal judge today to prevent the launch of a lithium exploration project on the border of Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge in southern Nevada. The motion for a preliminary injunction comes after the groups sued the U.S. Bureau of Land Management earlier this month for approving the project.
Read more.Lawsuit Seeks to Protect Guam’s Endangered Species From Construction, Operation of U.S. Marine Corp Base
HAGÅTÑA, Guam — The Center for Biological Diversity and Prutehi Litekyan: Save Ritidian filed a lawsuit today against the U.S. Navy and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to protect endangered species from the construction and operation of Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz in Guam.
Read more.House ‘Extinction Rider’ Seeks to Gut Imperiled Birds’ Protections
WASHINGTON― U.S. Rep. Mike Simpson (R-ID) has introduced a must-pass Interior Department appropriations bill with riders that would gut Endangered Species Act protections for the lesser prairie chicken and imperiled populations of sage grouse. The birds all teeter on the brink of extinction.
Read more.California Regulator Halts New Oil, Gas Wells Following Lawsuit
LOS ANGELES— A judge approved an agreement today to end litigation over approvals for 17 new oil and gas wells, some near homes and schools, in Los Angeles and Kern counties. The agreement comes after the state oil and gas regulator cancelled and rescinded approvals for the new wells.
Read more.Lawsuit Challenges FEMA-Funded Logging Road in Oregon’s Coast Range
PORTLAND, Ore.— The Center for Biological Diversity and Cascadia Wildlands sued the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today for authorizing federal disaster relief funding to rebuild Cook Creek Road, a logging road in Oregon’s Tillamook State Forest.
Read more.Court Order Sought to Block Mining Exploration in Arizona’s Patagonia Mountains
TUCSON, Ariz.— Conservation groups asked a federal judge today for a preliminary injunction to stop the launch of two mineral exploration projects in southern Arizona’s Patagonia Mountains. Today’s move comes after the groups filed a lawsuit in June challenging the U.S. Forest Service’s approval of the drilling projects, which could result in around-the-clock drilling in the biologically sensitive habitat for up to seven years.
Read more.18 Navajo Chapters Oppose Huge Pumped Storage Projects Threatening Arizona’s Black Mesa
BLACK MESA, Ariz.— Tó Nizhóní Ání, Diné Citizens Against Ruining our Environment and the Center for Biological Diversity submitted resolutions to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission today from Navajo chapters and agencies opposing three pumped storage projects on the Navajo Nation’s Black Mesa, southeast of Kayenta. A total of 18 chapters and agencies have passed resolutions opposing the projects.
Read more.EPA Orders Warning Labels on Seresto Flea Collars Linked to Thousands of Pet Injuries, Deaths
WASHINGTON— The Environmental Protection Agency today ordered warning labels be placed on Seresto flea and tick collars, which have been linked to tens of thousands of pet injuries and deaths in recent years.
Read more.Lawsuit Challenges EPA’s 2023-2025 Renewable Fuels Standard
WASHINGTON— The Center for Biological Diversity filed a lawsuit in the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals today challenging the Environmental Protection Agency’s fuel volume requirements for corn ethanol and other biofuels for 2023-2025. Last month the EPA set the 2022 required minimum volume for transportation sector use at roughly 15 billion gallons of corn ethanol and 5.63 billion gallons of advanced biofuels.
Read more.Petition Calls on Federal Government to End Fast-Tracking of Offshore Oil Drilling Projects in Gulf of Mexico
WASHINGTON— Six environmental groups submitted a petition today to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management calling on the agency to end a routine practice of fast-tracking approval for offshore oil and gas projects. The Interior Department first adopted a “categorical exclusion” for oil and gas activities in 1981, allowing exploration and development plans to win approval for much of the Gulf of Mexico without undergoing the site-specific analysis normally required by the National Environmental Policy Act.
Read more.Federal Court Stays Mountain Valley Pipeline’s Biological Opinion Again
WASHINGTON— The 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals temporarily halted the Mountain Valley Pipeline today, issuing a stay of the biological opinion and incidental take statement under the Endangered Species Act. The massive pipeline project threatens imperiled species like the candy darter and Roanoke logperch.
Read more.Lawsuit Launched Challenging EPA’s Failure to Address Dangerous Nitrogen Air Pollution
OAKLAND, Calif.— Conservation and public-health groups filed formal notice today of their intent to sue the Environmental Protection Agency for failing to review and update the air-pollution limits that protect human health from harmful nitrogen pollution nationwide.
Read more.Lawsuit Filed Challenging EPA’s Approval of Colorado Smog-Reduction Plan
DENVER— The Center for Biological Diversity and 350 Colorado filed a lawsuit today challenging the Environmental Protection Agency’s approval of a plan that failed to adequately reduce smog in the Metro Denver and North Front Range by July 2021.
Read more.Lawsuit Targets Mine Drilling at Nevada’s Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge
LAS VEGAS, Nev.— Conservation groups filed a lawsuit against the Bureau of Land Management today challenging the agency’s approval of exploratory mineral drilling near the Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge.
Read more.Federal Public Lands Rule Should Strengthen Protections for Wildlife, Waters, Climate
WASHINGTON— People submitted tens of thousands of comments to the U.S. Bureau of Land Management by today’s deadline on the agency’s long-awaited conservation rule governing 245 million acres of public lands. The Center for Biological Diversity’s comments generally support the new proposed rule but urge the Biden administration to strengthen it to benefit wildlife, water and the climate.
Read more.Federal Court Rejects Weld County’s Request to Exempt Fossil Fuel Companies From Smog-reduction Measures
DENVER— A federal appeals court today rejected an attempt by commissioners in Colorado’s Weld County to let some oil and gas operations off the hook for their contribution to asthma-causing smog in the Denver and Front Range region.
Read more.Dunes Sagebrush Lizard Proposed for Endangered Species Protection
SILVER CITY, N.M.— In response to more than 20 years of advocacy by the Center for Biological Diversity, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced today that the dunes sagebrush lizard is endangered and warrants protection under the Endangered Species Act.
Read more.Legal Intervention Defends EPA Approval of California Clean Truck Rule
WASHINGTON— The Center for Biological Diversity joined seven other groups today to intervene in lawsuits regarding clean truck standards in California. The intervention seeks to defend California’s ability under the Clean Air Act to set truck emissions standards stronger than those of the federal government. The lawsuits were brought against the Biden administration by a variety of trucking and petroleum industry groups, along with several states.
Read more.Biden Administration Rejects Calls to Phase Out Oil, Gas on Public Lands by 2035
WASHINGTON— Responding to a lawsuit by conservation groups, the Biden administration has officially rejected a rulemaking petition from more than 360 U.S. climate, Indigenous and conservation groups to phase out oil and gas extraction on public lands by 2035.
Read more.Report Finds Americans Support Secondhand, DIY Gifts
TUCSON, Ariz.— A new report by the Center for Biological Diversity found that 56% of Americans are likely to give a secondhand gift and 68% are likely to make a handmade or DIY gift during the holiday season.
Read more.‘Protectors’ Art Exhibit Spotlights People Working to Save Species From Extinction
PORTLAND, Ore.— The plight of endangered species and the inspiring stories behind those trying to save them are the focus of a new traveling art exhibit launching today. The exhibit is a partnership between the Center for Biological Diversity and the Justseeds Artists’ Cooperative.
Read more.Petition Urges Interior Department to Ban ‘Cyanide Bombs’ On Public Lands
WASHINGTON— The Center for Biological Diversity, Predator Defense and scores of other conservation groups petitioned the U.S. Interior Department today to ban the use of M-44 devices, commonly known as ‘‘cyanide bombs,’’ on lands administered by the Bureau of Land Management. These wildlife-killing devices are spring-loaded ejectors armed with cyanide powder that have injured people and inhumanely killed thousands of animals every year.
Read more.Lawsuit Launched to Protect Oregon’s Salmon, Orcas From Irresponsible Floodplain Development
PORTLAND, Ore.— Conservation groups filed a formal notice of their intent to sue the Federal Emergency Management Agency over its failure to protect floodplain-dependent imperiled salmonids and orcas in Oregon that are protected under the Endangered Species Act.
Read more.California Legislature Passes Joshua Tree Protection Law
SACRAMENTO, Calif.— California lawmakers today passed the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act, permanently protecting the iconic and imperiled species.
Read more.Small Florida Fish Is Endangered Species Act Success
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.— The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today removed a small Florida fish called the Okaloosa darter from the endangered species list because it has recovered. After decades of conservation work, the tiny fish is no longer in danger of extinction.
Read more.Two Freshwater Mussels Receive Endangered Species Act Protections in Arkansas, Missouri
LITTLE ROCK, Ark.— In response to a 2010 petition from the Center for Biological Diversity, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service issued a final rule today to protect the western and Ouachita fanshell mussels under the Endangered Species Act. The Service also designated 489 miles of critical habitat in the Ozark and Ouachita Mountains of Arkansas and Missouri for these threatened species.
Read more.Lawsuit Seeks Final Endangered Species Act Protection for Pyramid Pigtoe Mussels
NASHVILLE, Tenn.— The Center for Biological Diversity sued the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today for failing to finalize Endangered Species Act protections for a freshwater mussel called the pyramid pigtoe which has disappeared from nearly 80% of its range.
Read more.Lawsuit Seeks Final Endangered Species Act Protections for Cactus Ferruginous Pygmy Owl
TUCSON, Ariz.— The Center for Biological Diversity filed suit today against the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for failing to finalize Endangered Species Act protections for the cactus ferruginous pygmy owl, which survives in low numbers in southern Arizona, Texas and portions of Mexico.
Read more.Lawsuit Seeks Final Endangered Species Act Protections for Mt. Rainier White-Tailed Ptarmigan
TUCSON, Ariz.— The Center for Biological Diversity sued the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today for failing to finalize Endangered Species Act protections for the Mt. Rainier white-tailed ptarmigan, which is immediately threatened by climate-related snowpack changes in Washington’s Cascades.
Read more.Lawsuit Seeks Final Endangered Species Act Protections for Foothill Yellow-Legged Frogs in California
SACRAMENTO, Calif.— The Center for Biological Diversity filed suit today against the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for failing to finalize Endangered Species Act protections for foothill yellow-legged frogs in California.
Read more.Lawsuit Seeks Protections for Humboldt Martens, Tall Western Penstemon
PORTLAND, Ore.— The Center for Biological Diversity filed suit today against the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for failing to finalize critical habitat for Humboldt martens and to protect the tall western penstemon under the Endangered Species Act. Both species are imperiled and need strong federal protections to prevent their extinction.
Read more.Lawsuit Seeks Endangered Species Protections for New Mexico Chipmunk, Six Texas Mussels
SILVER CITY, N.M.— The Center for Biological Diversity filed suit today against the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for failing to finalize Endangered Species Act protections for the Peñasco least chipmunk, which lives in New Mexico, and six Texas mussel species suffering from habitat destruction and pollution.
Read more.Biden Administration Should Remove Border Walls, Keep Wildlife Corridors Open Along U.S.-Mexico Border
TUCSON, Ariz.— The Biden administration should remove border walls in six locations along the U.S.-Mexico border, abandon plans to build new sections of wall and remove stadium lighting from conservation lands, the Center for Biological Diversity said in comments submitted today to Customs and Border Protection. The comments are in response to the agency’s request for input on proposed remediation projects in California, Arizona and New Mexico.
Read more.Biden Administration Retains Key Trump-era Extinction Policies
WASHINGTON— The Biden administration today proposed revisions to Trump-era regulations that severely weakened protections for our nation’s most imperiled animals and plants, keeping in place some of the most significant rollbacks to the Endangered Species Act in the law’s 50-year history.
Read more.EPA Renewable Fuels Standard Shortchanges Imperiled Species Review
WASHINGTON— The Environmental Protection Agency shirked its legal obligation to protect imperiled plants and animals in a final rule released today setting fuel volume requirements for corn ethanol and other biofuels through 2025.
Read more.50 Groups Petition to End California’s Dirty Biomass Loophole
OAKLAND, Calif.— More than 50 environmental and justice organizations petitioned the California Public Utilities Commission today to end a nearly two-decades-old “free pass” given to biomass power plants under the state’s greenhouse gas emission performance standard. The commission carved out this free pass based on the false premise that electricity made from biomass is not a significant source of carbon emissions.
Read more.Lawsuit Targets Mineral Exploration Threatening Arizona’s Patagonia Mountains, Endangered Species
TUCSON, Ariz.— Conservation groups sued the U.S. Forest Service today to challenge its authorization of two mineral exploration projects in Arizona’s rugged and biologically diverse Patagonia Mountains, just north of the U.S.-Mexico border. The federal agency’s recent approval means drilling operations could begin immediately and continue around-the-clock for seven years.
Read more.Rare Southern Mussel Proposed for Endangered Species Protections
COLUMBUS, Ga.— Following a decade of advocacy by the Center for Biological Diversity, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today proposed to list the southern elktoe mussel as endangered. The Service also proposed to designate 578 river miles in Alabama, Georgia and Florida as critical habitat.
Read more.Nevada Sen. Cortez Masto Pushes Bill for Colorado River Water to Feed Las Vegas Sprawl
LAS VEGAS— Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) introduced legislation today to force approval of the Horizon Lateral Pipeline, which would deliver Colorado River water to feed new sprawl development south of Las Vegas.
Read more.Lawsuit Launched Over Failure to Protect Salmon From Toxic Tire Chemical
OAKLAND, Calif.— The Center for Biological Diversity filed a formal notice today of its intent to sue the Oregon and California state transportation agencies for failing to consider fatal impacts to salmon from toxic tire pollution.
Read more.Biden Administration Drops Appeal of Court Decision on Threat to Endangered Whales From Shipping Lanes
OAKLAND, Calif.— The Biden administration has abandoned its appeal of a 2022 court ruling holding that the National Marine Fisheries Service and U.S. Coast Guard failed to meet Endangered Species Act requirements when designating shipping lanes into the ports of Los Angeles, Long Beach and the San Francisco Bay.
Read more.Lawsuit Challenges TVA’s Backroom Deal, Flimsy Environmental Analysis
NASHVILLE, Tenn.— The Sierra Club, Appalachian Voices and the Center for Biological Diversity, represented by the Southern Environmental Law Center, filed a lawsuit this week against the Tennessee Valley Authority over the federal utility’s plans to replace a coal plant with a new gas-fired power plant in Cumberland City, Tennessee.
Read more.500+ International Groups: Biden Must Stop Fossil Fuel Expansion Ahead of September Climate Summit
WASHINGTON— More than 500 groups from six continents sent a letter to President Biden today demanding he stop fossil fuel expansion ahead of U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres’s climate ambition summit this September.
Read more.California Commission Advances Protection for California Sage Grouse
SACRAMENTO, Calif.— The California Fish and Game Commission elevated the greater sage grouse to a candidate species today, providing full California Endangered Species Act protections to the birds for at least a year. In the interim, the Department of Fish and Wildlife will conduct a scientific review and recommend whether the birds should be permanently protected under the Act.
Read more.Bills Introduced to Ban Deadly ‘Cyanide Bombs’ on Public Lands
WASHINGTON— Bills introduced Tuesday by Rep. Jared Huffman (D-Calif.), Rep. Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.) and Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) would ban the use of wildlife-killing M-44 devices, commonly known as ‘‘cyanide bombs,’’ on public lands. These deadly devices are spring-loaded capsules armed with cyanide spray that have injured people and inhumanely killed thousands of animals every year.
Read more.Wandering Mexican Wolf Asha Returned to Wild After Capture
PHOENIX— The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced today that it returned Asha, a well-known Mexican gray wolf, to the wilds of Arizona. She was captured last January for wandering outside of an arbitrary management zone and heading north into the southern Rocky Mountains of New Mexico. Her journey last winter broke new ground and sent her east of Interstate 25, across Interstate 40, and up near Taos.
Read more.Lawsuit Targets Timber Sale Threatening Rare Mature Forests, Wildlife in Colorado
DOLORES, Colo.— Forest advocates sued the U.S. Forest Service today for violating environmental laws when it approved a nearly 23,000-acre timber sale that would cut large, century-old ponderosa pine trees and threaten wildlife in southwestern Colorado’s San Juan National Forest.
Read more.Legal Petition Demands Biden Administration Halt Imports of Saudi Arabian Fossil Fuels
WASHINGTON— Conservation groups petitioned the U.S. Department of Commerce today to evaluate, review and ban all fossil fuel imports from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia — including all oil products — under the U.S. Trade Act because of the national security threat these imports pose to the United States.
Read more.Biden Administration Urged to Reject Hydrogen Hubs
ALBUQUERQUE/TIWA TERRITORY, N.M.— A coalition of Indigenous, climate, environmental justice and youth advocates urged the Department of Energy today to reject funding for the Western Interstate Hydrogen Hub, which is intended to rapidly expand hydrogen production in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming.
Read more.Rare Texas Plant Proposed For Endangered Species Protections
HOUSTON— Following a lawsuit by the Center for Biological Diversity, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today proposed protecting the Navasota false foxglove as an endangered species. The three-foot-tall, purplish-pink wildflowers are known to exist in just three locations on 1.9 acres spread across east Texas, areas the Service proposed to protect as critical habitat.
Read more.Top Scientists: California Must End Neighborhood Oil Drilling, New Fossil Fuel Permits
SACRAMENTO, Calif.— More than 100 scientists sent a letter to California Gov. Gavin Newsom today urging him to stop new oil and gas permit approvals, especially in and near neighborhoods. In the midst of a climate and public health crisis, California regulators have approved more than 1,000 new oil and gas permits this year — more than 600 of them within 3,200 feet of homes, schools and other sensitive sites.
Read more.Lawsuit Launched to Speed Endangered Species Protection for Ghost Orchid
HOLLYWOOD, Fla.— The Institute for Regional Conservation, the Center for Biological Diversity and the National Parks Conservation Association notified the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today of their intent to sue the agency for delaying critically needed Endangered Species Act protection for the ghost orchid.
Read more.Legal Agreement Gives West Coast Fishers New Shot At Crucial Protections
SAN FRANCISCO— In a legal victory, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today agreed to reconsider whether West Coast fishers in northern California and southern Oregon warrant protection under the Endangered Species Act.
Read more.Press Conference Monday to Explain Harms From Environmental Law Rollbacks
WASHINGTON— Legal experts and representatives from Indigenous and environmental groups will hold a virtual press conference Monday to discuss the environmental law rollbacks in the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023.
Read more.Rare New Mexico Plant Proposed for Endangered Species Protections
SILVER CITY, N.M.— Following a lawsuit by the Center for Biological Diversity, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today proposed to protect the swale paintbrush as an endangered species. The 19-inch-tall, yellowish-reddish flower is known to exist in only a single location in southwestern New Mexico’s bootheel.
Read more.Legal Intervention Defends Protections for Lesser Prairie Chickens
WASHINGTON— The Center for Biological Diversity and Texas Campaign for the Environment moved today to intervene in a lawsuit to defend the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s decision to protect lesser prairie chickens under the Endangered Species Act.
Read more.Legal Victory Gives Southern Hognose Snake Another Chance at Endangered Species Protections
WASHINGTON— In a legal victory for the Center for Biological Diversity, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service agreed today to consider granting Endangered Species Act protections to the southern hognose snake. The species lives in Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas.
Read more.Federal Judge Nixes Approval of Idaho Phosphate Mine
BOISE, Idaho— A federal judge on Friday fully vacated a set of approvals by the Bureau of Land Management authorizing development of the Caldwell Canyon phosphate mine in southeastern Idaho.
Read more.Supreme Court Denies Oil Industry Challenge to California Offshore Fracking Moratorium
WASHINGTON— The U.S. Supreme Court today refused to hear a challenge to a court-ordered prohibition on offshore fracking in federal waters off the California coast.
Read more.Global Plastics Treaty Negotiations End in Paris With “Zero Draft” Still to Come
PARIS— The second session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on Plastic Pollution, or INC-2, ended today with a “zero draft” of a treaty expected before INC-3 and no sign from the U.S. of firm commitments to curb plastic production.
Read more.Embattled Puerto Rico Dredging Project Faces Court Hearing
WASHINGTON— A federal district court will hear oral arguments Monday in a lawsuit that challenges a proposed U.S. Army Corps of Engineers dredging project in San Juan Bay, Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico residents and environmental groups will hold a rally outside the courthouse before the hearing.
Read more.Secretary Haaland Protects Chaco Canyon From Oil, Gas Drilling
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.— In response to Interior Secretary Deb Haaland’s decision today to prohibit new federal oil and gas leasing within 10 miles of the Chaco Culture National Historical Park, members of the Greater Chaco Coalition called on the Biden administration to end all new federal fossil fuel leasing across the country.
Read more.Debt Ceiling Deal Stains Biden’s Legacy on Climate, Environmental Justice
WASHINGTON— Congress today passed a debt ceiling deal negotiated between President Biden and House Republicans that expedites the super-polluting Mountain Valley Pipeline, dramatically rolls back the National Environmental Policy Act, and weakens social safety nets for working families in exchange for a modest raising of the debt ceiling.
Read more.Idaho, Wyoming Urged to Require Bear Identification Course for Black Bear Hunters
JACKSON, Wyo.— Nine conservation organizations sent letters today urging the Wyoming Game and Fish Department and Idaho Department of Fish and Game to require black bear hunters to take a bear identification course before getting a hunting license. Hunters continue to kill grizzlies, claiming they thought they were black bears.
Read more.New Mexico Creates School Health Buffer to Protect Against Oil, Gas Pollution
SANTA FE, N.M.— New Mexico Public Lands Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard announced an executive order today that bans new oil and gas leasing on state lands within one mile of schools and other educational facilities.
Read more.Upcoming Sage Grouse Plans Offer Biden Administration Chance to Protect Dwindling Species
WASHINGTON— The Biden administration’s long-awaited greater sage grouse land-use plans for 10 Western states could save the dwindling species, but some of the preliminary alternatives ignore the science showing what the birds need to survive, conservation groups said in a letter submitted today to the Bureau of Land Management.
Read more.California Assembly Approves Expansion of Toxic Rat Poisons Ban
SACRAMENTO, Calif.— The California Assembly passed legislation on a 57-12 vote that expands protection for children, pets and wildlife from toxic rat poisons. Spearheaded by Assemblymember Laura Friedman (D-Burbank), the California Ecosystems Protection Act of 2023, or Assembly Bill 1322, now awaits Senate approval.
Read more.Two South American Birds Proposed for U.S. Endangered Species Protections
WASHINGTON— Responding to a Center for Biological Diversity lawsuit, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today proposed protecting two curassows from Bolivia and Peru under the Endangered Species Act. Both birds are threatened by hunting and habitat destruction.
Read more.Congress Urged to Pass Clean Debt Ceiling Bill
WASHINGTON— Environmental justice and environmental groups urged Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and members of Congress today to vote on a clean debt ceiling bill without the poison pills that harm disadvantaged communities and the climate.
Read more.Biden Sacrifices Climate, Working Families in Debt Ceiling Deal
WASHINGTON— President Biden unveiled details of a deal today with House Republicans that expedites the climate-killing Mountain Valley Pipeline, dramatically rolls back the National Environmental Policy Act, and freezes nondefense spending for agencies including the Environmental Protection Agency and Interior Department in exchange for a modest raise of the debt ceiling.
Read more.Estados Unidos podrá imponer un embargo a México por violar un tratado de vida silvestre
WASHINGTON— El Servicio de Pesca y Vida Silvestre de EE. UU. anunció hoy que México no ha logrado detener el comercio ilegal de vida silvestre que amenaza a la vaquita marina en peligro crítico de extinción, reduciendo de la eficacia de un tratado internacional sobre la vida silvestre. Bajo la ley estadounidense, el presidente Biden decidirá mediados de julio si toma acción contra México, incluida la imposición de un embargo comercial. Si el presidente no prohibiera las importaciones de todos los productos de vida silvestre de México, debe explicar por qué.
Read more.U.S. Finds Mexico Is Undermining Wildlife Treaty, May Impose Embargo
WASHINGTON— The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced today that Mexico has failed to halt the illegal wildlife trade threatening the critically endangered vaquita porpoise, diminishing the effectiveness of an international wildlife treaty. Under U.S. law, President Biden must now decide by mid-July whether to take action against Mexico, including imposing a trade embargo. If the president fails to ban imports of all wildlife products from Mexico, he must explain why.
Read more.Court Overturns Federal Authorization to Kill 72 Grizzlies Near Yellowstone
PINEDALE, Wyo.— The U.S. 10th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled today that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s authorization of the killing of up to 72 grizzly bears on public land just outside of Yellowstone National Park violated federal law.
Read more.Judge Rules Arizona Lawsuit Challenging Interstate 11 Will Move Forward
TUCSON, Ariz.— A federal judge has denied a government motion to partially dismiss conservation groups’ lawsuit challenging the Federal Highway Administration’s approval of route options for Interstate 11. The proposed 280-mile highway would run between Nogales and Wickenburg, Arizona.
Read more.Legal Victory Moves Oregon Coast Tiger Beetle One Step Closer to Protection
PORTLAND, Ore.— In response to litigation brought by the Center for Biological Diversity, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service must decide by August 2026 whether to protect the imperiled Siuslaw hairy-necked tiger beetle under the Endangered Species Act.
Read more.Two New Groups of Wolves Confirmed in Northern California
SAN FRANCISCO— The California Department of Fish and Wildlife reported today that two new groups of wolves have been confirmed in northern California — one in Tehama County and the other in western Lassen County. If the department designates each as a pack, they would become the fifth and sixth confirmed wolf packs in the Golden State in 100 years.
Read more.California Supreme Court to Hear Arguments Thursday Over Monterey Oil, Gas Drilling Restrictions
SAN FRANCISCO— The California Supreme Court will hear arguments Thursday in a lawsuit that will determine whether Monterey County’s local ordinance banning new oil and gas wells and phasing out wastewater disposal is preempted by state laws.
Read more.Minnesota Bans Commercial Trapping of Wild Turtles
ST. PAUL, Minn.— Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz today signed into law a ban on commercial collection of wild turtles in the state. Each year, for-profit trappers have collected thousands of turtles from the state’s waterways, mostly to sell for food, traditional Asian medicines or pets.
Read more.Report: Proposed Interstate 11 Would Worsen Arizona’s Water Crisis
TUCSON, Ariz.— The proposed Interstate 11 through Arizona would spur dramatic population growth and an unsustainable increase in water demand, according to a new report.
Read more.Federal Protection Sought for Washington Coast Spring Chinook Salmon
PORTLAND, Ore.— The Center for Biological Diversity and Pacific Rivers filed a petition today to protect Washington coast spring-run Chinook salmon under the federal Endangered Species Act.
Read more.Nearly 2,000 Acres of Critical Habitat Protected for Endangered Miami Tiger Beetle
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.— Following a legal victory for the Center for Biological Diversity, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today designated 1,869 acres of lifesaving critical habitat for the endangered Miami tiger beetle in Miami-Dade County. The beetle currently survives in only two isolated populations, separated by urban development.
Read more.Smalltail Shark Moves Closer to Endangered Species Act Protection
WASHINGTON— Responding to a petition from the Center for Biological Diversity, the National Marine Fisheries Service announced today that protecting the smalltail shark under the Endangered Species Act may be warranted. The smalltail shark population has declined by more than 80% globally over the past 27 years.
Read more.Judge Rules Colorado Failed to Protect Waterways from Factory Farm Pollution
DENVER— A Colorado court has ruled that the state’s Department of Public Health & Environment violated state and federal laws by failing to protect waterways with essential monitoring provisions in a statewide general water-pollution permit for concentrated animal feeding operations.
Read more.Center for Biological Diversity Statement on Secretary Haaland Meeting on Proposed Monument
GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK— The Center for Biological Diversity issued the following statement in response to Interior Secretary Deb Haaland’s meeting today with the Grand Canyon Tribal Coalition concerning its proposed Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni Grand Canyon National Monument. Baaj Nwaavjo means “where tribes roam” to the Havasupai, and I’tah Kukveni means “our footprints” to the Hopi.
Read more.Washington Wildlife Agency Recommends Reducing Gray Wolf Protections
OLYMPIA, Wash.— The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife today recommended that state protections for Washington’s wolves be reduced from endangered to sensitive.
Read more.Blumenthal, Grijalva Introduce Bill to Save Endangered Butterflies, Fish, Plants, Mollusks
WASHINGTON— Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Rep. Raúl Grijalva (D-Ariz.) have introduced the Extinction Prevention Act of 2023, which would provide $20 million per year to fund crucial conservation work to recover the most endangered groups of species in the United States.
Read more.10 Reasons to Celebrate Endangered Species Act on Endangered Species Day
PORTLAND, Ore.— To celebrate National Endangered Species Day tomorrow and the 50th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act this year, the Center for Biological Diversity is highlighting 10 reasons to be grateful for the Act — one of the United States’ bedrock environmental laws. Since it was passed in 1973, the Act has saved species, secured habitats and protected entire ecosystems.
Read more.Connecticut Celebration to Mark 50 Years of Endangered Species Act Success
BRIDGEPORT, Conn.— The Center for Biological Diversity will join Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) at Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo on Friday, May 19, to celebrate Endangered Species Day and the 50th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act.
Read more.Appeals Court to Hear Arguments Wednesday Challenging Massive Wyoming Fracking Project
DENVER― A federal appeals court panel will hear arguments Wednesday in a lawsuit filed by conservation groups challenging a Trump-era plan to allow a massive gas field in southwestern Wyoming. Pronghorns and sage grouse rely on the 220-square-mile sagebrush habitat for their survival.
Read more.Lawsuit Filed to Reduce Air Pollution From Oil, Methane Gas Industries in Pennsylvania
PHILADELPHIA— The Center for Biological Diversity filed a lawsuit today against the Environmental Protection Agency for delays in deciding whether to approve or reject Pennsylvania’s outdated plan to clean up smog from the methane gas industry. The methane gas is mainly extracted using hydraulic fracturing, or fracking.
Read more.Lawsuit Launched to Protect Nevada’s Railroad Valley Toad
TUCSON, Ariz.— The Center for Biological Diversity filed a formal notice today of its intent to sue the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for failing to protect the critically imperiled Railroad Valley toad under the Endangered Species Act.
Read more.Biden’s Mediocre Mitigation Policy Skimps on Habitat Protection for Rare Wildlife
WASHINGTON— The Biden administration issued a mitigation policy today that will guide how the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service reduces and offsets harms to endangered species when reviewing federal actions and projects.
Read more.California Oil Regulators Sued Over New Oil, Gas Wells Near Homes, Beaches
LONG BEACH, Calif.— The Center for Biological Diversity sued California oil regulators today for approving about two dozen new oil and gas wells in Los Angeles and San Luis Obispo counties close to homes, beaches and important habitat without conducting the required environmental review.
Read more.Lawsuit Launched to Protect Gulf of Mexico Wildlife From Offshore Drilling
WASHINGTON— The Center for Biological Diversity filed a formal notice today of its intent to sue the U.S. Interior Department for failing to adequately protect endangered whooping cranes, Kemp’s ridley sea turtles, manatees and other imperiled species from the dangers of offshore oil and gas extraction in the Gulf of Mexico.
Read more.La Captura Incidental de Mamíferos Marinos en las Pesquerías de Ecuador Amenaza el Acceso al Mercado de Mariscos de los Estados Unidos de América
WASHINGTON – Un reporte publicado hoy por grupos conservacionistas y de protección animal descubre que la industria pesquera de Ecuador no cumple con los estándares de Estados Unidos para limitar la captura incidental de ballenas y delfines. En consecuencia, Ecuador puede perder acceso al mercado de importación de mariscos de EE. UU. para algunos productos en 2024. Ecuador exporta a EE. UU. alrededor de USD 1.600 millones de mariscos por año.
Read more.New Mexico Sued Over Failure to Control Skyrocketing Oil, Gas Pollution
SANTA FE, N.M.— A coalition of Indigenous peoples, youth, frontline community members and environmental groups sued New Mexico, the state legislature, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and state agencies today for violating their state constitutional duty to control the rapidly growing pollution from the oil and gas industry.
Read more.Marine Mammal Bycatch in Ecuador’s Fisheries Threatens Access to U.S. Seafood Market
WASHINGTON— A report released today by conservation and animal protection groups finds that Ecuador’s fishing industry does not meet U.S. standards for limiting whale and dolphin bycatch. As a result, Ecuador may lose access to the U.S. seafood import market for some products in 2024. Ecuador exports around USD $1.6 billion of seafood to the United States annually.
Read more.Biden, Congressional Democrats Urged to Accelerate Renewable Energy, Deprioritize Fossil Fuels
WASHINGTON— More than 290 groups urged President Biden and Congressional Democratic leaders today to take action and accelerate renewable energy, address electric transmission challenges, and advance environmental justice.
Read more.Rally to Launch Landmark N.M. Constitutional Lawsuit Over Oil, Gas Pollution
SANTA FE, N.M.— A coalition of Indigenous peoples, youth, frontline community members and environmental groups will rally in front of the First Judicial District Court of New Mexico tomorrow to mark the filing of a lawsuit against New Mexico, the state legislature, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and other defendants for violating their state constitutional duty to control the oil and gas industry’s growing pollution.
Read more.Maine Flower Becomes Endangered Species Act Success Story
PORTLAND, Maine— The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced today that an endangered flower in Maine is recovering under the Endangered Species Act and has been downlisted to threatened status.
Read more.Community Groups to Pack Tennessee Valley Authority Board Meetings Tuesday, Wednesday
NORRIS, Tenn.― Community groups, coal-ash cleanup workers and others will face the Tennessee Valley Authority’s board at its meetings Tuesday and Wednesday to demand that the utility protect workers and environmental justice communities and transition to 100% clean, renewable energy. The board meets this week to hear public comments and hold its quarterly meeting.
Read more.Reward Raised to $15,000 for Info on Arkansas Bald Eagle Killings
LITTLE ROCK, Ark.— The Center for Biological Diversity today increased the reward to $15,000 for information leading to a conviction for the illegal killing of four bald eagles in northern Arkansas.
Read more.Lawsuit Launched Against Road Reopening in Oregon’s Tillamook State Forest
PORTLAND, Ore.—The Center for Biological Diversity and Cascadia Wildlands filed a notice of intent today to sue the Federal Emergency Management Agency for funding the reopening of Cook Creek Road in the Oregon Coast Range.
Read more.Federal Officials Weigh In on Protecting Coastal Birds at Florida State Park
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.— The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is concerned about deadly bird entanglements at Florida’s Sunshine Skyway Fishing Pier and is committed to “exploring options with others to find a resolution,” according to a new letter from the agency to conservation groups.
Read more.EPA: Three Popular Neonicotinoid Pesticides Likely to Drive More Than 200 Endangered Plants, Animals Extinct
WASHINGTON— An assessment released today by the Environmental Protection Agency found that three popular neonicotinoid insecticides are likely to jeopardize the continued existence of more than 200 plants and animals protected under the Endangered Species Act. This includes 25 insect species and more than 160 plants dependent on insect pollination.
Read more.Sex Ed For All Month Highlights Need For Comprehensive Sex Ed in Schools
TUCSON, Ariz.— May is Sex Ed For All Month, a time when community leaders, caring adults, allies and advocates call on local school boards, parent-teacher associations, and lawmakers to invest in sex education that meets the needs of young people and support sex education programs that promote critical thinking, communication skills, sexual health and wellness, consent and self-esteem.
Read more.Lawsuit Challenges California’s Regressive Rooftop Solar Policy
SAN FRANCISCO— The Center for Biological Diversity, The Protect Our Communities Foundation and the Environmental Working Group late Wednesday petitioned the California Court of Appeal to review the state’s new rooftop solar policy. The policy, which took effect April 15, significantly slashes the credit new solar users get for sharing their extra solar energy with the grid.
Read more.Biden Administration Sued for Failing to Protect Endangered Species Habitat From Harmful Pesticides
TUCSON, Ariz.— The Center for Biological Diversity sued the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today to push it to take action to stop endangered species from being harmed by pesticides in habitats that are critical to their survival.
Read more.Senate Takes Unprecedented Vote to End Lesser Prairie Chicken Protections
WASHINGTON— Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W. Va.) joined Senate Republicans today in using the Congressional Review Act to strip away Endangered Species Act protections for the critically imperiled lesser prairie chicken. This is the first time in the CRA’s 30-year history that Congress has attempted to use this law to rescind federal protections for an individual species.
Read more.Threatened Idaho Plant Finally Receives Critical Habitat
BOISE, Idaho— Following litigation by the Center for Biological Diversity, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service designated critical habitat today for the slickspot peppergrass, an Idaho plant that’s protected as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. The agency’s final rule sets aside 78,009 acres in Ada, Elmore, Gem, Payette and Owyhee counties.
Read more.Wildlife Data: Massive U.S. Mammal Imports Threaten Biodiversity
WASHINGTON— The United States imported more than 250 million mammal parts for commercial use between 2016 and 2020, according to data obtained from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Read more.Colorado Judge Pushes Polis’ Administration on West Elk Coal Mine Air Quality Permit
GUNNISON, Colo.— A Colorado judge today set a deadline for Gov. Jared Polis’ administration to draft an air quality permit for the West Elk coal mine and ordered a state agency to report progress to ensure the tardy permitting remains on track.
Read more.D.C. Federal Appeals Court to Hear Arguments Wednesday Challenging Oil Train Approval
WASHINGTON― A federal appeals court panel will hear arguments Wednesday in a lawsuit filed by conservation groups challenging the U.S. Surface Transportation Board’s approval of the proposed Uinta Basin Railway. The railway, which could facilitate the quadrupling of oil extraction in northeast Utah’s Uinta Basin, would move crude from Utah through Colorado to Gulf Coast refineries.
Read more.Forest Service Clearcutting Plan Next to Yellowstone National Park Threatens Grizzlies, Old Growth
WEST YELLOWSTONE, Mont.— Conservation groups late Monday challenged a U.S. Forest Service plan to clearcut more than 5,500 acres of pine forests just outside Yellowstone National Park, in the Custer Gallatin National Forest. The plan also calls for logging across an additional 9,000 acres and bulldozing up to 56 miles of roads in the area, including through old-growth forests.
Read more.High Levels of Dangerous ‘Forever Chemicals’ Found in California’s Most-Used Insecticide
WASHINGTON— California’s most-used insecticide, along with two other pesticides, is contaminated with potentially dangerous levels of PFAS “forever chemicals,” according to test results released today by the Center for Biological Diversity and Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility.
Read more.Lawsuit Launched Over Federal Failure to Protect Manatees
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.— The Center for Biological Diversity, Harvard Animal Law & Policy Clinic, Miami Waterkeeper, and Frank S. González García sent a notice today of their intent to sue the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for failing to protect the West Indian manatee under the Endangered Species Act.
Read more.Congressional Resolution Urges Biden to Declare Climate Emergency, Phase Out Fossil Fuels
WASHINGTON— Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Reps. Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.) and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) reintroduced a resolution today calling on President Biden to declare a climate emergency and use existing non-emergency powers to lead a multiagency, massive-scale response to the climate crisis.
Read more.Gov. DeSantis Urged to Veto Radioactive Roads Bill
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.— More than 20 conservation organizations across the Southeast urged Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis today to veto House Bill 1191, which would allow the use of radioactive fertilizer waste in road construction across the state.
Read more.Lawsuit Aims to Protect Texas Wildlife Habitat, Beach Access From More Exploding Rockets
BROWNSVILLE, Texas— Following a massive rocket explosion in South Texas, national and local environmental groups and the Carrizo/Comecrudo Nation of Texas, Inc. sued the Federal Aviation Administration today for failing to fully analyze and mitigate the environmental harms resulting from the SpaceX Starship/Super Heavy launch program at Boca Chica.
Read more.Florida Issues Draft Permit for Piney Point Phosphate Facility Following Clean Water Act Lawsuit
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.— Following litigation, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection has issued a draft Clean Water Act permit for the Piney Point phosphate facility in Manatee County. The previous permit for the facility expired in March 2001.
Read more.Bi-State Sage Grouse Get Another Chance for Endangered Species Act Protections
WASHINGTON— The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced today that it is reopening consideration of whether to list the bi-state sage grouse as endangered or threatened under the Endangered Species Act.
Read more.Lawsuit Challenges U.S. Forest Service Failure to Protect Arizona’s Lower Salt River
PHOENIX— A coalition of conservationists, environmentalists and birders sued the U.S. Forest Service today for failing to protect the Lower Salt River Recreation Area from hundreds of unowned horses that threaten endangered species habitat.
Read more.South Llano Springs Moss Protected As Endangered, Denied Habitat Protection
AUSTIN, Texas— The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today protected the South Llano Springs moss as endangered under the Endangered Species Act, but the agency denied critical habitat protection. Globally only 1,000 square feet of this moss remain, at one vulnerable site.
Read more.Two Missouri Crayfish Receive Endangered Species Protection
ST. LOUIS, Mo.— Following litigation by the Center for Biological Diversity, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today protected the Big Creek and St. Francis River crayfish as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. The Service also designated 2,112 river miles of critical habitat in the Missouri Ozarks for the two crayfish.
Read more.Nevada Senator Introduces Bill to Give Away Public Lands to Mining Industry
WASHINGTON— Nevada Sen. Catherine Cortez-Masto introduced legislation today that would allow the mining industry to turn public lands into toxic mining-waste dumps.
Read more.Lawsuit Targets U.S. Delay on Petition to Phase Out Public Lands Oil Drilling
WASHINGTON— Conservation groups sued the U.S. Interior Department today for failing to respond to a rulemaking petition to phase out oil and gas extraction on federal public lands.
Read more.Lawsuit Launched to Protect Endangered West Virginia Species From Coal Hauling
RICHWOOD, W.Va.— Conservation groups notified the U.S. Forest Service today they intended to sue over the agency’s failure to protect endangered species from the harmful effects of coal hauling in the Monongahela National Forest.
Read more.Court Blocks Logging in Montana’s Kootenai National Forest
MISSOULA, Mont.— A federal judge today halted logging and road construction for the large Knotty Pine timber sale project in the Kootenai National Forest. The project threatens a small, imperiled population of grizzly bears near the Montana-Canada border.
Read more.Wetland-Dependent Desert Flower Protected Under Endangered Species Act
SILVER CITY, N.M.— The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today protected the Wright’s marsh thistle as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. The agency also designated 159 acres in seven areas as protected critical habitat for the imperiled wetlands plant.
Read more.Southern Resident Orcas Move Closer to Oregon Endangered Species Protections
PORTLAND, Ore.— The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission voted today to advance a petition seeking to protect Southern Resident orcas under the state Endangered Species Act.
Read more.Lawsuit Challenges Massive Warehouse Project in Napa County
AMERICAN CANYON, Calif.— The Center for Biological Diversity sued American Canyon today for approving a 2.4 million-square-foot warehouse project that would increase air pollution, contribute to the climate crisis, and pave over wetlands and wildlife habitat.
Read more.Forest Service Plans First National Rule to Protect Mature, Old-Growth Trees, Forests
WASHINGTON— The U.S. Forest Service today announced a pathway for protecting mature and old-growth trees and forests as part of a strategy to improve the climate resilience of federally managed forests. The agency proposed a rulemaking process which will include a public comment period to gather input on new policies the agency can adopt.
Read more.Legal Agreement Spurs Analysis of California Gillnets’ Threat to Humpback Whales
SAN FRANCISCO— The National Marine Fisheries Service agreed today to complete a new assessment of the threat of drift gillnets in California to endangered humpback whales. In the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 fishing seasons an estimated 12 Pacific humpbacks were caught in the California drift gillnet fishery, according to federal reports.
Read more.Federal Court Allows California Offshore Drilling Lawsuit to Proceed
LOS ANGELES— A federal court today allowed a lawsuit challenging the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s failure to review outdated plans for offshore oil platforms near Huntington Beach to proceed. The judge rejected the Biden administration’s attempt to dismiss the case on the grounds the court did not have jurisdiction to hear it.
Read more.Analysis Finds Most Wool Knitwear Is Blended With Plastic
NEW YORK, N.Y.— More than half of wool knitwear is blended with synthetic fibers derived from fossil fuels, a new analysis by the Center for Biological Diversity and Collective Fashion Justice has found.
Read more.Southern Resident Orca Buffer Bill Clears Washington Legislature
SEATTLE— A bill to create a 1,000-yard buffer around the critically endangered Southern Resident orcas is headed to Gov. Jay Inslee’s desk for his signature after clearing a final legislative hurdle on Monday. Senate Bill 5371 requires that boaters stay 1,000 yards away from Southern Residents, beginning in 2025.
Read more.Oregon’s Annual Wolf Report Reveals Only Three Additional Wolves
PORTLAND, Ore.— Oregon’s wolf population increased by just three confirmed animals in 2022 — rising from 175 to 178 wolves — according to a report released today by the state’s Department of Fish and Wildlife. High levels of wolves killed by people likely explains the stalled recovery of the state’s wolf population.
Read more.49 Endangered Hawaiian Species to Gain Lifesaving Habitat Protections
HONOLULU— In a legal victory stemming from a Center for Biological Diversity lawsuit, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service agreed today to designate protected critical habitat for 39 endangered plants and 10 endangered animals.
Read more.Endangered Mexican Gray Wolf Killed by Government Agents in New Mexico
SILVER CITY, N.M.— An endangered Mexican gray wolf has been killed in New Mexico by federal employees, according to a document released by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Affectionately named Rusty by a middle school student in a nationwide contest, the wolf was killed on April 12, leaving behind his likely pregnant mate and several yearling pups. The Service quietly authorized the killing on March 29, 2023 — the 25th anniversary of Mexican wolves’ return to the wild.
Read more.Farmers, Conservationists Ask Court to Strike Down Crop-Damaging Dicamba Pesticide
TUCSON, Ariz.— Four public-interest organizations representing farmers and conservationists filed arguments seeking to have a federal court again strike down the Environmental Protection Agency’s controversial approval of the drift-prone, volatile herbicide dicamba.
Read more.Lawsuit Launched Over Massive Habitat Reduction for Endangered Snakes in Arizona, New Mexico
TUCSON, Ariz.— The Center for Biological Diversity filed a formal notice today of its intent to sue the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for reducing critical habitat for two endangered snakes by more than 90% from what it originally proposed to protect the animals.
Read more.Biden Auto Emissions Rules Fail to Meet Climate Emergency
WASHINGTON— The Biden administration proposed new tailpipe emissions standards today that fail to rein in massive carbon pollution from millions of new gas-powered SUVs, pickup trucks and cars.
Read more.Statement Supporting Tribes’ Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni Grand Canyon National Monument Proposal
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz.— The Grand Canyon Tribal Coalition proposed today that President Biden designate 1.1 million acres of ancestral Tribal and federal public land around Grand Canyon National Park as the Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni Grand Canyon National Monument. Baaj Nwaavjo means “where tribes roam” to the Havasupai, and I’tah Kukveni means “our footprints” to the Hopi.
Read more.Una Demanda Impugna los Fondos de FEMA destinados a Reconstruir la Red Eléctrica de Puerto Rico Basada en Combustibles Fósiles
WASHINGTON— Grupos de conservación y comunitarios han presentado hoy una demanda contra la Agencia Federal para el Manejo de Emergencias y el Departamento de Seguridad Nacional acerca de los planes de reconstruir la red eléctrica de Puerto Rico y volver al modelo centralizado de producción de energía basado en combustibles fósiles en vez de invertir en la energía renovable distribuida que necesitan los puertorriqueños.
Read more.Lawsuit Challenges FEMA Funding to Rebuild Puerto Rico’s Fossil Fuel-Dependent Electric Grid
WASHINGTON— Conservation and community groups sued the Federal Emergency Management Agency and U.S. Department of Homeland Security today over their plans to rebuild Puerto Rico’s centralized electric grid back to the fossil fuel status quo instead of investing in the distributed renewable energy Puerto Ricans need.
Read more.EPA Sued Over Unregulated Water Pollution From Oil Refineries, Plastics Plants, Other Industries
WASHINGTON— Environmental groups sued the Environmental Protection Agency today for failing to set limits on harmful chemicals like cyanide, benzene, mercury and chlorides in wastewater emitted by oil refineries and plants that produce chemicals, fertilizer, plastics, pesticides and nonferrous metals.
Read more.New Study: Cows Are Damaging Nearly Every River Mile of San Pedro Conservation Area in Arizona
TUCSON, Ariz.— A new survey shows cow grazing has significantly damaged almost all of nearly 42 river miles surveyed in the San Pedro Riparian Conservation Area, putting the area’s remarkable ecosystem and endangered species at risk.
Read more.Texas Flower Threatened By Urban Sprawl Wins Endangered Species Act Protection
SAN ANTONIO— Thanks to a lawsuit by the Center for Biological Diversity, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is placing the bracted twistflower on the list of threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. The flower is in the path of expanding development along the Interstate 35 corridor of central Texas, and today’s protection comes after 48 years of delay.
Read more.Legal Victory Speeds Habitat Protection for Endangered Miami Tiger Beetles
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.— The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service agreed today to finalize critical habitat for endangered Miami tiger beetles by May 8. The announcement marks a legal victory for the Center for Biological Diversity, Miami Blue Chapter of the North American Butterfly Association, and Tropical Audubon Society. These native beetles face devastating habitat loss from unfettered development and sea-level rise.
Read more.U.S. to Decide Whether Mexico's Failure to Protect Vaquita Warrants Embargo
NEW YORK— In a settlement filed in court Friday, the U.S. Department of the Interior agreed to determine whether Mexico has failed to stop illegal fishing and trade of totoaba that is driving the vaquita porpoise’s extinction. The determination could result in an embargo against Mexico.
Read more.Washington’s Wolf Population Increased Just 5% in 2022
OLYMPIA, Wash.— Washington’s wolf population increased by just 5% in 2022, according to figures released today by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. That increase is far less than what’s necessary to achieve a healthy wolf population in the state.
Read more.New Group of Wolves Confirmed in California’s Tehama County
SAN FRANCISCO— The California Department of Fish and Wildlife this week confirmed that photographs of three wolves were captured on trail cameras recently in Tehama County. The trio marks the fifth potential pack in nearly 100 years to establish itself in the state.
Read more.Atlantic Humpback Dolphin Recommended for Endangered Species Act Listing
WASHINGTON— The National Marine Fisheries Service announced a proposed rule today to list the Atlantic humpback dolphin under the Endangered Species Act, in response to a 2021 petition filed by the Animal Welfare Institute, the Center for Biological Diversity and VIVA Vaquita. Following a 60-day public comment period, the agency has until April 2024 to make a final decision on protections.
Read more.California Agency Recommends Advancing Protection for Sage Grouse
SACRAMENTO, Calif.— The California Department of Fish and Wildlife late Wednesday recommended that the state’s greater sage grouse move toward protection under the state’s Endangered Species Act.
Read more.Tennessee’s Barrens Darter Back on Track for Endangered Species Protections
WASHINGTON— In a legal victory for the Center for Biological Diversity, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service agreed today to again consider granting Endangered Species Act protections for the Barrens darter. Named for its home on the Barrens Plateau of central Tennessee, the darter is one of the rarest fish in North America.
Read more.Lawsuit Launched to Protect Endangered Crayfish Pushed to the Brink of Extinction by Coal Mining in Appalachia
CHARLESTON, W.Va.— The Center for Biological Diversity and Appalachian Voices filed a formal notice today of their intent to sue the U.S. Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for failure to protect the endangered Guyandotte River crayfish and the threatened Big Sandy crayfish from coal mining pollution. Both species are protected under the Endangered Species Act.
Read more.Threatened Fish Receives 524 Miles of Lifesaving Habitat in Mississippi
JACKSON, Miss.— Following a decade of advocacy by the Center for Biological Diversity, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today designated 524 river miles of critical habitat for the threatened Pearl darter.
Read more.Lawsuit Challenges California State Park Plan Allowing Off-Road Vehicles
SACRAMENTO— The Center for Biological Diversity sued the California State Department of Parks and Recreation and the Park and Recreation Commission today challenging the general plan revision for Red Rock Canyon State Park, which allows off-highway vehicles on two park roads and the Ricardo Campground.
Read more.Congress Urged to Zero Out Funding for Federal Oil, Gas Programs
WASHINGTON— A coalition of 215 groups today urged House and Senate leaders to end funding for the U.S. Bureau of Land Management and Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s fossil fuel extraction programs on public lands and waters.
Read more.Federal Judge Allows Massive Willow Oil Project Construction to Proceed in Western Arctic
ANCHORAGE, Alaska— A federal judge today ruled in favor of oil giant ConocoPhillips by denying a motion for preliminary injunction brought by environmental groups as part of a lawsuit challenging the Willow project in Alaska’s Western Arctic. The ruling allows construction activities planned for the remaining three weeks of the construction season, including constructing roads and a gravel mine as a first step toward developing a massive oil-extraction operation.
Read more.EPA: Sulfoxaflor Insecticide Likely Puts 63 Endangered Species in Jeopardy of Extinction
WASHINGTON— The Environmental Protection Agency released a final biological evaluation today showing that a single chemical, the bee-killing insecticide sulfoxaflor, is likely putting 4% of all endangered plants and animals in jeopardy of extinction.
Read more.California State University Northridge to Host Free Screening of Childfree by Choice Film
NORTHRIDGE, Calif.— The Center for Biological Diversity and California State University, Northridge will host a free screening of My So-Called Selfish Life, directed by Therese Shechter, a documentary that examines the choice to be childfree and the importance of reproductive rights and justice. The screening will be held at California State University, Northridge and followed by a Q&A and panel discussion about the relationship between reproductive freedom and the environment.
Read more.California Court Blocks Massive Sprawl Development in Riverside County
RIVERSIDE, Calif.— A California appeals court has ordered Riverside County to set aside its approval of an 8,725-unit development because its environmental review of the project was inadequate. Thursday’s ruling from the Fourth District Court of Appeal, Division Two said the county had approved Villages of Lakeview without analyzing water supply impacts or providing a workable plan to offset damage to the nearby San Jacinto Wildlife Area.
Read more.Appeal Challenges Gold Drilling in California’s Eastern Sierra Nevada
SAN FRANCISCO— Conservation groups filed an appeal Tuesday in the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals challenging a lower court ruling allowing exploratory drilling in California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains that threatens an endangered fish and a dwindling population of bi-state sage grouse.
Read more.Secretary Buttigieg Urged to Deny $2 Billion in Tax-Free Bonds for Utah Oil Train
SALT LAKE CITY— More than 150 conservation and climate groups today joined Colorado federal, state and local lawmakers to urge Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg to deny Utah officials’ $2 billion request to help them build an oil train. The tax-exempt bonds, requested earlier this month by Utah’s Seven County Infrastructure Coalition, will cost taxpayers up to $80 million a year for decades.
Read more.Judge Deals Another Blow to Tejon Ranchcorp Project
LOS ANGELES— A judge has ordered Los Angeles County to set aside its approval of Tejon Ranchcorp’s Centennial, a sprawling housing development that would bring 57,000 residents to the fire-prone outskirts of the county. The ruling by Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Mitchell Beckloff directs the county to set aside the environmental review and all approvals related to the project.
Read more.California Takes Important Steps Alongside Tribes to Protect Clear Lake Hitch
CLEARLAKE, Calif.— The California Department of Fish and Wildlife has announced a list of commitments aimed at protecting Northern California’s imperiled Clear Lake hitch.
Read more.Lawsuit Launched Against Biden Administration Over Failure to Act on Petition to Prohibit Pesticides in Endangered Species Critical Habitat
WASHINGTON— The Center for Biological Diversity today filed a notice of intent to sue the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for failing to respond to a January 2019 petition to prohibit nearly all uses of pesticides in areas designated as critical habitat for endangered species.
Read more.Lawsuit Seeks Protected Habitat for Endangered Corals
WASHINGTON— The Center for Biological Diversity sued the National Marine Fisheries Service today for failing to finalize protections for 12 coral species around Florida and islands in the Pacific Ocean. Pillar coral, mountainous star coral and the others were all listed under the Endangered Species Act in 2014 but have not received the critical habitat designation the law requires.
Read more.CITES Sanctions Mexico for Failing to Protect Vaquita Porpoises
GENEVA— The Secretariat to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora today announced trade sanctions against Mexico for its failure to control illegal fishing and trade that endangers the vaquita porpoise. Mexico will no longer be able to commercially export millions of dollars of wildlife products to most nations around the globe.
Read more.Lawsuit Targets Federal Deforestation Project Near Nevada National Park
RENO, Nev.— Western Watersheds Project and the Center for Biological Diversity sued the U.S. Bureau of Land Management today to challenge a massive vegetation removal project near Great Basin National Park that violates several environmental laws.
Read more.Legal Agreement Will Bring New Protections From Logging to Oregon Coast Coho Salmon
PORTLAND, Ore.— Resolving multiyear litigation over the harms of logging to coho salmon, conservation groups reached an agreement today with the Oregon Department of Forestry to greatly expand stream buffers across more than half a million acres of the Tillamook and Clatsop state forests.
Read more.New Eastern Monarch Butterfly Count Indicates Pollinator Still Threatened
WASHINGTON— The annual count of migratory monarchs that spend the winter in Mexico is once again dismal for the iconic orange-and-black butterflies. This year’s count showed a 22% decline from 2022, leaving the butterfly highly vulnerable to extinction.
Read more.Lawsuit Launched Over Denial of Endangered Species Protection to Gopher Tortoise
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.— The Center for Biological Diversity and Nokuse Education, Inc. filed a formal notice today of their intent to sue the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for denying Endangered Species Act protections to the eastern population of gopher tortoises. The decision left the beleaguered reptiles without lifesaving federal safeguards in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and most of Alabama.
Read more.Lawsuit Launched Targeting Grazing Destruction of Arizona’s San Pedro Conservation Area
TUCSON, Ariz.— The Center for Biological Diversity and Maricopa Audubon Society filed a formal notice of their intent to sue the U.S. Bureau of Land Management today for failing to protect endangered species in the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area from rampant trespass livestock grazing.
Read more.50 Groups Send Letter to Oregon Lawmakers Urging Passage of Senate Bill 85-1
SALEM, Ore.— The Stand Up to Factory Farms coalition sent a letter from 50 organizations to Oregon lawmakers today urging passage of Senate Bill 85-1, which would pause factory farm permitting to better address the operations’ pollution risks.
Read more.Hippos Move Step Closer to Endangered Species Act Protections
WASHINGTON— After a petition and threat to sue from animal protection and conservation groups, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today announced that the common hippopotamus may qualify for protection under the Endangered Species Act.
Read more.California Bill to Expand Community, Wildlife Protections Against Rat Poisons
SACRAMENTO, Calif.— Assemblymember Laura Friedman (D-Burbank) is spearheading a bill to expand restrictions on toxic rat poisons and increase protections for children, pets and wildlife from unintentional poisoning.
Read more.Injunction Seeks to Block Logging in Montana’s Kootenai National Forest
MISSOULA, Mont.— Conservation groups asked a federal court today to block logging and road construction for the large Knotty Pine timber sale project in the Kootenai National Forest. The project threatens a small and imperiled population of grizzly bears near the Montana-Canada border.
Read more.Rare Daisy Imperiled by Gold Mining Moves Closer to Federal Protection
SACRAMENTO, Calif.— The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced today that the rare Inyo rock daisy may require federal protection under the Endangered Species Act, kicking off a year-long review of threats to the plant.
Read more.UN Chief Calls for Halt to New Fossil Fuel Development Ahead of Climate Ambition Summit
NEW YORK— The United Nations Secretary General set strong conditions for joining a global climate ambition summit in September, including ceasing all licensing and funding of new oil and gas development and halting expansion of existing oil and gas reserves. This price of entry puts the United States at risk of being shut out of the meeting. The announcement from U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres came as the latest U.N. climate report declared drastic fossil fuel cuts are necessary to avert catastrophic warming.
Read more.Tiny Virginia Fish Moves Toward Endangered Species Act Protection
RICHMOND, Va.— In response to a legal petition from the Center for Biological Diversity, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced today that the roughhead shiner, an olive minnow found only in the upper James River watershed in western Virginia, may warrant protection under the Endangered Species Act.
Read more.Two Southern Freshwater Mussels Proposed for Endangered Species Protection
DALLAS— In response to a Center for Biological Diversity lawsuit, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today proposed protection for two freshwater mussels in five southern states and designated 1,860 river miles as critical habitat.
Read more.Court Voids Colorado’s OK of Increased Air Pollution From Tanker Truck Facility in Commerce City
DENVER— A state judge has voided a permit issued by the Colorado Air Pollution Control Division allowing a tanker truck repair shop to emit more asthma-causing air pollution. Polar Service Center is located in a part of Commerce City already heavily overburdened with pollution.
Read more.Events in Arizona, New Mexico to Mark Silver Anniversary of Mexican Gray Wolves in Wild
SILVER CITY, N.M.— Public events throughout the Southwest this spring will mark the 25th anniversary of the first release of Mexican gray wolves into the wild.
Read more.Protections Sought for Rare Mojave Desert Wildflower Threatened by Urban Sprawl, Energy Development
LAS VEGAS— The Center for Biological Diversity today petitioned the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to protect a rare desert wildflower under the Endangered Species Act.
Read more.Lawsuit Launched Over U.S. Delay on Petition to Phase Out Oil Drilling on Public Lands
WASHINGTON— Conservation groups today filed a notice of their intent to sue the U.S. Interior Department for failing to respond to a petition to phase out oil and gas extraction on public lands.
Read more.California Regulators Urged to Delay Harmful Rooftop Solar Plan
SAN FRANCISCO— California regulators should revise a new rooftop solar plan to make solar more affordable for low-income communities, dozens of groups will tell the California Public Utilities Commission at its meeting Thursday. The commission’s plan drastically slashes the credit new solar users would get for sharing their extra solar energy with the grid.
Read more.Sunflower Sea Star Proposed for Endangered Species Act Protection
SAN FRANCISCO— Responding to a petition by the Center for Biological Diversity, the National Marine Fisheries Service proposed today to protect imperiled sunflower sea stars as threatened under the Endangered Species Act.
Read more.New Study Reveals Deadly Disease Spread Among African Amphibians
DAVIS, Calif.— Multiple strains of a deadly fungal pathogen are spreading among frogs across Africa, posing serious and widespread threats to amphibian populations, according to a scientific study published today in Frontiers in Conservation Science.
Read more.Expanded Habitat Protections Sought for Imperiled Desert Fish in Arizona
TUCSON, Ariz.— The Center for Biological Diversity filed a formal petition today urging the federal government to expand the critical habitat designation for the Sonora chub, a small desert fish facing major threats.
Read more.Court: U.S. Failure to Protect Pacific Humpbacks From Deadly Entanglements Was Unlawful
SAN FRANCISCO— A federal court ruled in favor of the Center for Biological Diversity yesterday in a lawsuit arguing that the National Marine Fisheries Service failed to protect endangered Pacific humpback whales from deadly entanglements in sablefish pot gear off California, Oregon and Washington.
Read more.Biden Administration Sued Over Willow Oil Project in Alaska’s Western Arctic
ANCHORAGE, Alaska— Earthjustice filed a lawsuit yesterday on behalf of conservation groups to stop the massive Willow oil drilling project in Alaska’s Western Arctic, which the Biden administration approved March 13. This approval of an enormous new carbon pollution source undermines President Biden’s promises to slash greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2030 and transition the United States to clean energy.
Read more.University of Mary Washington to Host Free Screening of Childfree by Choice Film
FREDERICKSBURG, Va.— The Center for Biological Diversity and University of Mary Washington will host a free screening of My So-Called Selfish Life, directed by Therese Shechter, a documentary that examines the choice to be childfree and the importance of reproductive rights and justice. The screening will be held at University of Mary Washington and followed by a Q&A and panel discussion about the relationship between reproductive freedom and the environment.
Read more.Another Wild Wolf Killed in New York, Radio-Isotope Test Confirms
ALBANY, N.Y.— Conservation groups announced today that testing by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the New York State Museum revealed that a wolf killed in upstate New York in 2021 was eating a wild diet and was a wild wolf.
Read more.New York Moth Receives Endangered Species Protections After 30 Years
WASHINGTON— After more than 30 years of consideration, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today finalized the listing of the rare bog buck moth as endangered under the Endangered Species Act. But the agency failed to designate any critical habitat for the moth, despite habitat protections being critical to the species’ survival.
Read more.U.S. Urged to Tighten Data Standards for Aquarium Fish Imports
WASHINGTON— The Center for Biological Diversity urged the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today to require and report species-level data for all ornamental fish brought into the country for the aquarium trade. As today’s letter notes, maintaining and disclosing reliable species information from the national database would aid conservation measures for fish threatened by overexploitation.
Read more.Nevada Bill Would Let State Wildlife Agency Conserve Monarchs, Other Pollinators
RENO, Nev.— Nevada’s Assembly Natural Resources Committee will consider a bill today that would give the state’s Department of Wildlife authority to manage pollinators and other insects that need conservation.
Read more.Biden Administration Approves Major Alaskan Arctic Drilling Project
WASHINGTON— The Biden administration released the final Willow Master Development Plan today, greenlighting the oil development project in Alaska’s Western Arctic. The final version of the project would allow for drilling at three pads.
Read more.Legal Challenge Filed to Halt Caltrans’ Richardson Grove Project
EUREKA, Calif.— Conservation groups and Humboldt residents filed a legal challenge this week to a fourth attempt by Caltrans to approve the controversial Richardson Grove Project.
Read more.Glen Canyon Dam Operations Must Safeguard Grand Canyon’s Rare Fish, Conservationists Warn
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz.— The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation must manage Colorado River flows to prevent non-native smallmouth bass populations from establishing, thereby jeopardizing threatened humpback chub in the Grand Canyon, conservationists warned in formal comments submitted today.
Read more.Inter-American Commission on Human Rights to Hear Testimony Friday on Abuses at U.S. Factory Farms
LOS ANGELES— The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights will hear testimony on Friday about human rights abuses linked to industrial meat, egg and dairy facilities in the United States. The testimony is part of the commission's multi-day period of sessions focused on “Reimagining Rights in the Americas.”
Read more.Struggling Freshwater Mussels Protected Under Endangered Species Act
LEXINGTON, Ky.— Responding to a petition and lawsuit from the Center for Biological Diversity and allies, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today listed the round hickorynut and longsolid freshwater mussels as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. The agency also set aside 2,136 river miles of critical habitat from Pennsylvania to Mississippi.
Read more.Report: TVA Clean-Energy Transition Could Create Jobs, Save Billions
WASHINGTON— The nation’s largest public utility, the Tennessee Valley Authority, could create thousands of new jobs, improve public health, and help meet President Biden’s climate pledge if it transitions to 100% clean energy by 2035, according to a new study.
Read more.EPA Petitioned to Halt Export of U.S.-Banned Pesticides to Developing Countries Unless Approved by Their Governments
WASHINGTON— The Center for Biological Diversity and the Center for International Environmental Law filed a legal petition today urging the Environmental Protection Agency to forbid export of pesticides banned in the United States to any country without prior consent of that country’s relevant authorities.
Read more.Lawsuit Filed to Protect Imperiled Alligator Snapping Turtles
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.— The Center for Biological Diversity sued the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today to force it to ensure protections for 12 plants and animals under the Endangered Species Act, including the alligator snapping turtle and Suwannee alligator snapping turtle.
Read more.Lawsuit Filed to Protect Imperiled Fishes in Utah, Nevada
TUCSON, Ariz.— The Center for Biological Diversity filed a lawsuit today against the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to force it to decide whether to protect Utah’s least chub and Nevada’s Fish Lake Valley tui chub under the Endangered Species Act.
Read more.Congress Urged to Spend $841 Million to Fully Fund Endangered Species Protection
WASHINGTON— More than 120 conservation groups urged Congress today to significantly increase the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s budget for endangered species conservation from $331 million to $841 million.
Read more.Petition Seeks to Protect Pygmy Rabbits Under Endangered Species Act
SALT LAKE CITY— Conservation organizations submitted a petition to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today requesting protection of pygmy rabbits under the Endangered Species Act.
Read more.Lawsuit Challenges Biden Decision to Open 73.3 Million Acres of Gulf of Mexico for Oil Leasing
WASHINGTON— Gulf community and environmental groups filed a legal challenge in federal court today to the Department of the Interior’s lease sale 259. The sale would offer 73.3 million acres of the Gulf of Mexico for oil and gas leasing.
Read more.Global Wildlife Trade Agreement Marks 50th Anniversary
WASHINGTON— Fifty organizations from around the world are urging an ambitious response to the extinction crisis as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species turns 50 years old on Friday.
Read more.Caltrans Again Approves Richardson Grove Project
EUREKA, Calif.— Caltrans is attempting to approve the controversial Richardson Grove Project for a fourth time. The project would realign portions of Highway 101 through Richardson Grove State Park to facilitate passage of oversized commercial trucks, risking damage to a grove of ancient redwoods up to 3,000 years old. To realign the road, Caltrans proposes cutting and paving over roots of adjacent old-growth redwood trees.
Read more.Frecklebelly Madtom Receives Endangered Species Protections in Georgia, Tennessee
ATLANTA— The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today issued a final rule that protects a population of frecklebelly madtom in the Upper Coosa River of Georgia and Tennessee as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. The agency also proposed to designate 134 miles of the Etowah and Conasauga rivers as protected critical habitat, but the proposal would allow logging to continue.
Read more.In Response to Lawsuit, EPA Agrees to Timeline for First Updates to Slaughterhouse Water-Pollution Standards in Nearly 20 Years
WASHINGTON— In a victory for clean water, the Environmental Protection Agency announced its intent today to publish updated water-pollution control standards for slaughterhouses and animal rendering facilities by August 2025.
Read more.Analysis: 4 Years Into Polis Administration, Coal Is Still Colorado’s Main Electricity Source as State Lags Behind on Green Energy
DENVER— Four years into Gov. Jared Polis’ administration, Colorado lags behind many other states in transitioning to a renewable energy economy, according to recently released U.S. Energy Information Administration data.
Read more.Florida Legislature Considers Use of Radioactive Phosphogypsum in Road Construction
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The Florida Legislature introduced two bills today that would pave the way for the use of radioactive phosphogypsum in road construction.
Read more.Mexican Gray Wolf Population Grew 23% in 2022
SILVER CITY, N.M.— The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced today that the number of Mexican gray wolves in the Southwest grew by 45 animals last year — from 196 in 2021, to 241 in 2022. Of those wolves, 136 were in western New Mexico and 105 in eastern Arizona.
Read more.Motion Filed to Defend Forest Service Removal of Feral Cows From Gila National Forest
SILVER CITY, N.M.— The Center for Biological Diversity filed a motion today to intervene in a New Mexico Cattle Growers Association lawsuit that seeks to stop the U.S. Forest Service from removing feral cows from the Gila Wilderness in New Mexico.
Read more.'New York Times' Ad Blasts Automaker Climate Hypocrisy, Urges Biden Action
WASHINGTON— The Center for Biological Diversity and GreenLatinos placed a full-page ad in The New York Times today blasting automaker doublespeak on clean vehicles. The ad calls on President Biden to make the manufacturers cut carbon emissions 75% by 2030 and boost electric vehicle, or EV, access and production.
Read more.Florida Rule to Protect Diamondback Terrapins From Recreational Crab Traps to Take Effect Wednesday
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.— A new rule aimed at protecting diamondback terrapin turtles from drowning in recreational blue crab traps will go into effect Wednesday, March 1.
Read more.Rare Milkweed Gains Endangered Species Protection, Critical Habitat
RIO GRANDE CITY, Texas— The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today protected the prostrate milkweed as endangered. Only 24 populations of the plant survive, in south Texas and northern Mexico, where they serve as an important food source for pollinators like bees and imperiled monarch butterflies.
Read more.House Republican Bill Would Upend Bedrock Environmental Review Law
WASHINGTON— The House Natural Resources Committee will hold a hearing Tuesday on legislation introduced by Rep. Garret Graves (R-La.) that would curtail environmental reviews under the National Environmental Policy Act.
Read more.EU Plan to Protect Marine Species Falls Short, Threatens Seafood Exports to United States
BRUSSELS— The European Commission’s EU Action Plan released this week falls short of protecting and restoring marine species and jeopardizes continued access for EU fish products to the lucrative U.S. seafood market, according to a coalition of animal welfare and conservation groups.
Read more.Center for Biological Diversity Calls for Protection of Atlanta Forest, Independent Probe of Activist Killing
ATLANTA— Standing in solidarity with local organizations, communities and forest defenders who have been safeguarding the South River Forest for years, the Center for Biological Diversity is calling for the permanent protection of Atlanta’s biologically diverse forest and an independent investigation into the killing of a 26-year-old activist fighting to protect it.
Read more.Court Backs Removal of Feral Cattle From Gila Wilderness
ALBUQUERQUE— The U.S. District Court for the District of New Mexico today announced its decision to deny a request for a temporary restraining order to stop the removal of feral (unbranded and unauthorized) cattle from the Gila Wilderness.
Read more.Coloradans Strongly Support Wolf Restoration at Denver Meeting
DENVER— Scores of Coloradans today voiced their support for science-based, ecologically friendly wolf restoration throughout Colorado during a Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission hearing on a draft wolf plan.
Read more.Lawsuit Launched to Protect Colorado Wolves From Hunters at Wyoming Border
DENVER— The Center for Biological Diversity today notified the U.S. Forest Service of its intent to sue over the agency’s failure to protect wolves from hunters in Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest. The lawsuit would seek a ban on wolf hunting and trapping in the entire forest, which straddles the Colorado-Wyoming border.
Read more.Suit Launched to Force EPA to Tackle Toxic Air Pollution From Colorado Fossil Fuel Waste Disposal Plant
PARACHUTE, Colo.— The Center for Biological Diversity filed notice today of its intent to sue the Environmental Protection Agency for failing to respond to the Center’s challenge to the methods used to control toxic air pollution at a facility that disposes of liquid waste from fracking and oil and gas production.
Read more.California Spotted Owl Gets Endangered Species Act Protections After 23 Years
SAN FRANCISCO— The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced today that it will protect the California spotted owl under the Endangered Species Act. The owls have seen their numbers dwindle because of logging and climate change, among other threats.
Read more.Lawsuit Filed to Require California to Close Loophole, Regulate Pesticide-Treated Seeds
SACRAMENTO, Calif.— Environmental and public health groups have filed a legal challenge seeking to close the California Department of Pesticide Regulation’s loophole allowing crop seeds treated with pesticides to avoid regulation as pesticides.
Read more.Florida Commissioners Advance Rules Aimed at Curbing Bird Deaths at Skyway Pier
JACKSONVILLE, Fla.— The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission voted today to move forward with proposed regulations meant to address bird deaths and injuries at the Skyway Fishing Pier State Park. But commissioners directed staff to consider significantly limiting the proposal, which wildlife advocates say already fails to truly protect thousands of birds from deadly fishing gear entanglements.
Read more.Legal Agreement Forces EPA Action to Reduce Dangerous Smog Levels in Parts of California, Texas
WASHINGTON— The Environmental Protection Agency agreed today to meet deadlines for reducing smog in parts of California and Texas that have some of the nation’s worst air pollution.
Read more.Legal Win Protects Minnesota’s Rare Lynx From Cruel, Indiscriminate Trapping
MINNEAPOLIS— A federal judge today ordered the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to ban most uses of strangulation snares in northeastern Minnesota.
Read more.Lawsuit Challenges White House Offices for Records on Endangered Species Delays
WASHINGTON— The Center for Biological Diversity sued the White House’s Office of Management and Budget and its Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs today for refusing to release records on their roles in delaying protections for species listed under the Endangered Species Act. The offices had illegally delayed protection of critical habitat for shorebirds called red knots by more than seven months.
Read more.Forest Plan Fails Pisgah-Nantahala National Forest
ASHEVILLE, N.C.— The U.S. Forest Service released the Pisgah-Nantahala National Forest Plan today, quadrupling logging and reducing protections for the most visited national forest in the country.
Read more.Petition Seeks Oregon Endangered Species Protection for Southern Resident Orcas
PORTLAND, Ore.— The Center for Biological Diversity, Defenders of Wildlife, and Whale and Dolphin Conservation filed a petition today to protect Southern Resident orcas under the Oregon Endangered Species Act. As of the most recent census, just 73 Southern Resident orcas remain, divided among three family groups.
Read more.Muro fronterizo de EE.UU. pone en peligro sitio del Patrimonio Mundial en México
PARÍS— El Centro para la Diversidad Biológica solicitó hoy enlistar como “en peligro” un sitio en México del Patrimonio Mundial dañado por el muro fronterizo de EE. UU. El controvertido muro de EE. UU. corta en dos el hábitat desértico protegido más grande del mundo, bloqueando la conectividad escencial.
Read more.U.S. Border Wall Endangers Mexican World Heritage Site
PARIS— The Center for Biological Diversity called for “in danger” status today for a Mexican World Heritage site harmed by the U.S. border wall. The controversial U.S. wall cuts the world’s largest swath of protected desert habitat in two, walling off critical habitat connectivity.
Read more.18,000 People Urge Federal Officials to Boost Manatee Protections
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.— The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service received more than 18,000 letters today supporting a petition to increase protections for West Indian manatees. The imperiled animals have been dying in record numbers in Florida waters.
Read more.Proposed Rule Allows for Widespread Killing of Reintroduced Colorado Wolves
DENVER— The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today announced a proposed wolf management rule that would allow livestock operators and federal and state agents to kill wolves. The rule would let ranchers kill wolves even on public lands, without requiring the use of nonlethal conflict prevention measures first.
Read more.Vessel Strike Killed Critically Endangered North Atlantic Right Whale
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va.— A North Atlantic right whale that washed up dead onto the shore Sunday was likely killed by a vessel collision, NOAA Fisheries announced today. The results of a necropsy determined the cause of death to be “blunt force trauma,” which indicates the animal was struck by a passing vessel.
Read more.Expertos se oponen a eliminar la protección a la boa puertorriqueña
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico— Expertos puertorriqueños están denunciando la propuesta del Servicio de Pesca y Vida Silvestre (FWS en inglés) de los Estados Unidos de quitar protecciones federales a la boa puertorriqueña. No hay información poblacional de estas serpientes tímidas y endémicas, sin embargo, las amenazas que llevaron a su designación como una especie en peligro de extinción continúan en la isla.
Read more.Experts Oppose Proposed Removal of Puerto Rican Boa Protections
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico— Puerto Rican snake experts are denouncing the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s proposal to remove federal protections from the Puerto Rican boa and plan to oppose the move during a Feb. 16 public hearing.
Read more.Legal Action Launched to Protect Hippos Under Endangered Species Act
WASHINGTON— Animal protection and conservation groups today sent a notice of intent to sue the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for failing to respond to a legal petition to protect the common hippopotamus under the Endangered Species Act. The Service was required to respond to the March 2022 petition within 90 days, but nearly a year has passed, and the agency still has not responded.
Read more.Rechazo enérgico a la injerencia de EUA en la política agrícola y de alimentación en México
El Centro para la Diversidad Biológica y Greenpeace México rechazan enérgicamente la intervención de los Estados Unidos en la decisión de México de eliminar gradualmente el glifosato y el maíz transgénico producido utilizando prácticas agrícolas intensivas en plaguicidas.
Read more.Statement on U.S. Intervention in Mexico’s Phaseout of Genetically Engineered Corn
The Center for Biological Diversity and Greenpeace México strongly condemn the United States’ heavy-handed intervention into Mexico’s decision to phase out genetically engineered (GE) corn that’s produced using pesticide-intensive farming practices and the herbicide glyphosate.
Read more.Faith Communities to Hold Thursday News Conference to Urge Utah Legislature to Save Great Salt Lake
SALT LAKE CITY— Utah religious leaders will hold a news conference Thursday at the Utah State Capitol to urge Utah lawmakers to do everything in their power to restore the Great Salt Lake to ecological health.
Read more.Legal Intervention Supports EPA Permit Requirements for St. Croix Refinery
ST. CROIX, U.S. Virgin Islands— Community and conservation groups filed a motion to intervene yesterday in a case concerning Environmental Protection Agency air permits for a shuttered oil refinery. The Environmental Justice Clinic at Vermont Law and Graduate School filed the motion in the U.S. 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals on behalf of their clients, St. Croix Environmental Association, the Center for Biological Diversity and the Sierra Club.
Read more.Recovery of Once Rare Wood Stork Is Latest Endangered Species Act Success
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.— The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced today that it’s proposing to remove the wood stork from the endangered species list because the bird has recovered.
Read more.Florida’s Proposal to Curb Bird Deaths at Skyway Pier Falls Short
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.— The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission announced proposed regulations today to address bird deaths and injuries at the Sunshine Skyway Fishing Pier State Park. The move comes after nonprofit rescuers, wildlife groups and academics highlighted the thousands of birds rescued from entanglement at the pier over the past two years.
Read more.Legal Action Launched Over White House Delay on Red Knot Habitat Protections
WASHINGTON— The Center for Biological Diversity today sent a notice of intent to sue the White House’s Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs for illegally delaying protection of the red knot shorebird’s critical habitat by more than seven months. Habitat loss has helped drive a drastic decline in the migrating shorebird’s population.
Read more.Lawsuit Challenges Nevada Gov. Lombardo’s Unconstitutional Natural Resource Agency Appointment
CARSON CITY, Nev.— The Center for Biological Diversity and a former state employee sued Gov. Joe Lombardo today to challenge his Jan. 6 appointment of former state Sen. James Settelmeyer to be director of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
Read more.Imperiled Leopards One Step Closer to Increased Endangered Species Act Protection
WASHINGTON— In response to a lawsuit by animal protection and conservation groups, today the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service finally agreed to a June 2027 deadline to determine if leopards warrant increased protection under the Endangered Species Act. Increased safeguards would ensure closer scrutiny of African leopard trophy imports and help boost funding to counter suspected population declines.
Read more.Snake Experts to Oppose Removing Federal Protections From Puerto Rican Boa
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico— The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will hold a virtual public meeting on Thursday about its proposed rule to remove Endangered Species Act protections from the Puerto Rican boa. The Puerto Rican boa is currently listed as an endangered species.
Read more.Legal Filing Targets North Dakota’s Latest Lawsuit to Force More Oil, Gas Lease Sales on Public Lands
BISMARCK, N.D.— Climate and conservation groups defended the Biden administration in a brief filed today responding to a federal lawsuit brought by North Dakota seeking to force the federal government to hold more oil and gas lease sales in the state.
Read more.Biden Administration’s Postponement of Oil, Gas Lease Sales to Be Defended by Conservation Groups
CASPER, Wyo.— Seventeen conservation groups represented by Earthjustice and the Western Environmental Law Center moved to intervene today to defend the Biden administration’s 2021 postponement of several oil and gas lease sales.
Read more.New Joshua Tree Bill Spurs California Commission to Delay Decision on Protecting Iconic Plants
SACRAMENTO, Calif.— The California Fish and Game Commission voted unanimously today to postpone a decision on whether to permanently protect western Joshua trees under the California Endangered Species Act. The commission agreed to wait to see whether a new bill proposed by Gov. Gavin Newsom’s administration becomes law.
Read more.Wildlife Agency Fails to Address Extinction in Changes to Endangered Species Regulations
WASHINGTON— The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced today it will be revising regulations governing the process for issuing permits under Section 10 of the Endangered Species Act. The changes are a huge missed opportunity because they afford no new protections to threatened and endangered plants and animals, conservationists say.
Read more.Lawsuit Challenges Federal Failure to Protect Rare Wildlife From South Florida Development
MIAMI— Conservation groups sued the National Park Service today for failing to protect the endangered Florida bonneted bat, Miami tiger beetle, Bartram’s scrub-hairstreak, endangered plants and globally imperiled pine rocklands from the destructive effects of the Miami Wilds water park and retail development in South Florida.
Read more.Lawsuit Launched Over Delay of Endangered Species Act Protection for 15 Animals, Plants
WASHINGTON— The Center for Biological Diversity filed a formal notice today of its intent to sue the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for delaying critically needed Endangered Species Act protection for 15 imperiled plants and animals. The species range from cactus ferruginous pygmy owls in the Sonoran Desert to tall western penstemons in Oregon’s Willamette Valley.
Read more.Lawsuit Seeks to Protect U.S. Waters From Ship Pollution, Invasive Species
WASHINGTON— The Center for Biological Diversity and Friends of the Earth sued the Environmental Protection Agency today for failing to finalize nationwide standards that would protect U.S. waterways from harmful vessel discharges.
Read more.New Analysis: 40% of U.S. Wildlife, Ecosystems Are Imperiled
WASHINGTON— A new report on the status of U.S. wildlife conservation reveals that 40% of animals, 34% of plants and 40% of ecosystems nationwide are at risk. Released today, the analysis — Biodiversity in Focus: United States Edition — was compiled by NatureServe, a nonprofit organization that assembles conservation data from a national network of scientists and organizations.
Read more.State Efforts to Remove Federal Grizzly Protections Move Forward
BOZEMAN, Mont.— The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today issued a finding stating that removing federal protections from grizzly bear populations in the Greater Yellowstone and Northern Continental Divide ecosystems “may be warranted.” Removing Endangered Species Act safeguards could pave the way for the trophy hunting of grizzly bears in parts of Montana, Idaho and Wyoming.
Read more.Senate to Consider Legislation to Protect America’s Children From Toxic Pesticides
WASHINGTON— U.S. Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) reintroduced legislation today to increase protections against exposure to toxic pesticides.
Read more.Lawsuit Challenges Sprawl Development in Northern California Wildfire Zone
CHICO, Calif.— A coalition of environmental groups sued the city of Chico today for approving a development with nearly 2,800 housing units without properly assessing or mitigating wildfire and other environmental risks. The Valley’s Edge project would bring nearly 5,700 residents to an area that has burned repeatedly and is adjacent to the town of Paradise, which was devastated by the 2018 Camp Fire.
Read more.Celebrating 50 Years of Endangered Species Act Success
WASHINGTON— Conservation and wildlife advocacy groups are celebrating the 50th anniversary of the passage of the Endangered Species Act this year, commemorating five decades of effective and crucial protection for imperiled animals and plants.
Read more.Two Ohio Waterways Nominated for Strongest Clean Water Act Protections
COLUMBUS, Ohio— The Center for Biological Diversity and its partners filed a formal request today with the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency seeking protective designations for the Big and Little Darby creeks near Columbus. The Outstanding National Resource Waters designations would afford the creeks the strongest level of protection under the Clean Water Act.
Read more.Legal Petition Seeks Environmental Review Improvements Promised by Biden
WASHINGTON— The Center for Biological Diversity petitioned the Council on Environmental Quality today to strengthen the regulations implementing the National Environmental Policy Act to better tackle the climate crisis, meaningfully address environmental justice and push agencies to make better, more environmentally protective decisions.
Read more.Lawsuit Seeks to Protect Few Remaining Streaked Horned Larks As Endangered
PORTLAND, Ore.— The Center for Biological Diversity and the Audubon Society of Portland sued the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today to protect streaked horned larks, once-numerous birds found in Washington and Oregon, as endangered.
Read more.Federal Officials Miss Deadline to Protect Ghost Orchid As Endangered
HOLLYWOOD, Fla.— The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has missed the statutory deadline to make a decision on protecting the iconic ghost orchid, leaving the species in a regulatory limbo without crucial safeguards. The deadline was Jan. 24, but currently the Service is not scheduled to make a decision until 2026.
Read more.Mosaic Mining Workshops Fail to Stem Pollution Concerns
ARCADIA, Fla.— The Mosaic Company, one of the world’s largest fertilizer manufacturers, will complete its mining workshop series today before the DeSoto County Board of Commissioners. Mosaic wants to mine 18,000 acres in DeSoto County, but the company needs the commission to rezone the land to allow mining.
Read more.Dragado a La Bahía De San Juan Provocará Un Gran Daño Social Y Ambiental
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico– Las organizaciones ambientales y comunitarias El Puente-Enlace Latino de Acción Climática, CORALations y el Centro para la Diversidad Biológica denunciaron este martes que el acuerdo reciente entre el Cuerpo de Ingenieros del Ejército de los EE.UU. y la Autoridad de los Puertos de Puerto Rico para comenzar el dragado de la Bahía de San Juan, provocará grandes daños ambientales y sociales.
Read more.Corps Schedules Massive Dredging Project Despite Public Health, Environmental Objections
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico— The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Puerto Rico Ports Authority announced an agreement today to proceed with dredging in San Juan Bay, Puerto Rico. The project will deepen and widen shipping channels to allow massive liquefied natural gas and long-range oil tankers to import foreign fossil fuels. A lawsuit pending in federal district court challenges the Army Corps’ dredging project.
Read more.Lawsuit Seeks Lifesaving Protections for Montana’s Arctic Grayling
GREAT FALLS, Mont.— Conservationists sued the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today seeking protections for Montana’s Arctic grayling population under the Endangered Species Act. The parties — the Center for Biological Diversity, Western Watersheds Project and Butte resident Pat Munday — are represented by Earthjustice.
Read more.New Mexico Butterfly Gains Endangered Species Act Protection
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.— In response to multiple petitions and lawsuits from the Center for Biological Diversity, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today protected the Sacramento Mountains checkerspot butterfly as an endangered species.
Read more.Report: U.S. Utilities Shut Off Power 5.7 Million Times as Shareholders, Executives Raked in Billions
WASHINGTON— Utility companies have disconnected U.S. households more than 5.7 million times since 2020 while shelling out billions to shareholders and top executives, according to Powerless in the U.S., a new report from the Center for Biological Diversity, Energy and Policy Institute and BailoutWatch.
Read more.50 Groups Urge N.M. Governor to End Oil, Gas Extraction by 2034
SANTA FE, N.M.— More than 50 Indigenous, environmental and social justice organizations marked the start of New Mexico’s 2023 legislative session by calling on Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham to promote strong science-based climate legislation that phases out oil and gas production by 2034.
Read more.Federal Judge Finds BLM Imperiled Sage Grouse, Broke Environmental Laws in Approving Idaho Phosphate Mine
BOISE, Idaho— A federal judge on Wednesday ruled that in approving the Caldwell Canyon phosphate mine the Bureau of Land Management had failed to adequately assess environmental harms, including harms to vital habitat for the imperiled sage grouse.
Read more.Lawsuit Aims to Protect Imperiled Southern Hognose Snakes
WASHINGTON— The Center for Biological Diversity sued the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today to gain Endangered Species Act protection for southern hognose snakes in Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas.
Read more.College of Charleston to Host Free Screening of Childfree by Choice Film
CHARLESTON, S.C.— The Center for Biological Diversity will host a free screening of My So-Called Selfish Life, directed by Therese Shechter, a documentary that examines the choice to be childfree and the importance of reproductive rights and justice. The screening will be held at the College of Charleston and will be followed by a Q&A and panel discussion about the relationship between reproductive freedom and the environment.
Read more.U.S. Forest Service Restores Critical Protections to Tongass National Forest
JUNEAU, Alaska (Áakʼw Ḵwáan Territory)— In a win for Southeast Alaska communities, wildlife and the climate, the U.S. Forest Service today reinstated Roadless Rule protections across the Tongass rainforest in Southeast Alaska.
Read more.Oil Industry Seeks Supreme Court Review of California Offshore Fracking Ban
WASHINGTON— The American Petroleum Institute and two oil companies filed a petition for certiorari with the U.S. Supreme Court today, seeking a review of a lower court decision that halted offshore fracking in federal waters off California. A previous request by the Biden administration to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals for an “en banc” review of the ruling was denied.
Read more.Biden Administration Oil, Gas Drilling Approvals Outpace Trump’s
WASHINGTON— Federal data show the Biden administration approved 6,430 permits for oil and gas drilling on public lands in its first two years, outpacing the Trump administration’s 6,172 drilling-permit approvals in its first two years.
Read more.San Clemente Island Bell’s Sparrow Flies Off Endangered Species List
LOS ANGELES— The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced today that it’s removing the Bell’s sparrow and four plants found only on San Clemente Island from the endangered species list due to recovery.
Read more.24 Groups Urge Federal Overhaul of Weak Habitat Protections for Florida Bat
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.— More than twenty environmental organizations have urged the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to provide additional habitat protections for the Florida bonneted bat. The endangered native bats face devastating habitat loss from climate change and urban sprawl.
Read more.House Bill Would Sacrifice Public Lands to Draw From Strategic Petroleum Reserve
WASHINGTON— House Republicans will today likely pass H.R. 21, the Strategic Production Response Act, which would sacrifice millions of acres of public lands. The legislation by Rep. McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.) would prevent the White House from using the Strategic Petroleum Reserve unless the percentage of public lands and offshore waters leased for oil and gas increases by the same percentage as any future drawdown from the reserve.
Read more.Removal of Wandering Mexican Wolf Dismays Conservationists
SANTA FE, N.M.— A female Mexican gray wolf known as Asha was captured in northern New Mexico by the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced today.
Read more.Lawsuit Aims to Defend Climate, Clean Air From Fracking in New Mexico’s Permian Basin
SANTA FE, N.M.— Conservation groups, led by citizens from Carlsbad, N.M., filed suit today to overturn the Biden administration’s approval of nearly 6,000 acres of oil and gas leases in southeast New Mexico’s Permian Basin.
Read more.U.S. Court in Tucson to Hear Arguments on Proposed Freeway Threatening Wildlife, Public Lands
TUCSON, Ariz.— A federal judge will hear arguments Wednesday in a lawsuit filed by conservation groups challenging the Federal Highway Administration’s approval of Interstate 11. The proposed north-south highway in Arizona would destroy pristine Sonoran Desert, harm threatened desert tortoises and other wildlife, and worsen air pollution.
Read more.Sickle Darter Receives Critical Habitat Protection in Tennessee, Virginia
KNOXVILLE, Tenn.— The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced a proposed rule today to protect 104 miles of rivers as critical habitat in Tennessee and Virginia for a fish called the sickle darter under the Endangered Species Act. The Service designated the sickle darter as a threatened species in November.
Read more.Lawsuit Filed to Challenge EPA’s Failure to Protect Colorado From Oil, Gas Industries’ Asthma-Causing Smog
DENVER— The Center for Biological Diversity filed a lawsuit against the Environmental Protection Agency today to limit pollution from drilling and hydraulic fracturing for oil and methane gas in Colorado.
Read more.Legal Intervention Defends Protections for Arctic Ringed Seals
ANCHORAGE, Alaska— The Center for Biological Diversity filed a motion today to intervene in a lawsuit regarding protections for the Arctic ringed seal. The intervention seeks to defend the federal government’s rejection of the state of Alaska’s efforts to end Endangered Species Act protections for the seal.
Read more.Legal Arguments Begin in Case Challenging EPA’s Decision to Authorize Medically Important Antibiotic as Citrus Pesticide
SAN FRANCISCO— The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals will hear oral argument on Monday challenging the Environmental Protection Agency’s approval of the medically important antibiotic streptomycin as a pesticide on citrus crops.
Read more.Biden Administration Sinks Emergency Petition to Shield Right Whale Moms, Calves From Vessel Strikes
WASHINGTON— The National Marine Fisheries Service today denied an emergency petition that sought to protect critically endangered North Atlantic right whales from being struck and killed by vessels in their calving grounds off the coast of the southeast United States. The species is down to about 70 reproductive females.
Read more.Lawsuit Challenges Biden EPA Failure to Cut Airplane Soot Pollution
WASHINGTON— Environmental groups sued the Environmental Protection Agency today over its rule that fails to cut aircraft particulate matter pollution, commonly known as soot and smoke.
Read more.Lawsuit Challenges Approval of Sea Port Oil Terminal
BRAZORIA COUNTY, Texas— Environmental and community groups sued the U.S. Department of Transportation today over its approval of the Sea Port Oil Terminal, also known as SPOT, a proposed massive Gulf Coast deepwater oil-export facility off the coast of Brazoria County, Texas.
Read more.Letter Urges Agencies to Let Mexican Gray Wolf Continue Northern New Mexico Travels
SANTA FE, N.M.— Conservation advocates today sent a letter to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish urging the agencies to allow a female Mexican gray wolf to continue her wandering journey in northern New Mexico.
Read more.Petition Seeks Hounding Ban in Wisconsin’s Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest
MILWAUKEE— Wildlife conservation and animal protection groups petitioned the U.S. Forest Service today to ban hounding in Wisconsin’s Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. Hounding is the practice of training and using dogs to hunt and chase down black bears and other wildlife.
Read more.Petition Seeks Sea Otter Reintroduction Along Broader West Coast
WASHINGTON— The Center for Biological Diversity submitted a petition today asking the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to reintroduce sea otters to a large stretch of the West Coast. Threatened southern sea otters occupy only 13% of their historic range, and a small population of the animals currently lives on California’s central coast.
Read more.Appeal Targets Environmental Justice Harms From California’s Rooftop Solar Plan
SAN FRANCISCO— The Center for Biological Diversity, Protect Our Communities Foundation and the Environmental Working Group today appealed the California Public Utilities Commission’s decision to significantly slash compensation to the state’s rooftop solar customers. The commission’s decision will harm the ability of environmental justice communities to go green.
Read more.U.S. Tags Mining Company for Trespassing in Protected Tiehm’s Buckwheat Habitat
RENO, Nev.— The U.S. Bureau of Land Management issued a trespassing notice today to Australian mining company Ioneer after the Center for Biological Diversity documented harm from drilling operations to the critical habitat of an endangered plant called Tiehm’s buckwheat.
Read more.Plan to Cut Down Potter Valley Eagle Tree on Hold for Nesting Season
POTTER VALLEY, Calif.— A U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service permit allowing a utility company to cut down a Mendocino County tree containing a bald eagle’s nest has been put on hold for the remainder of the nesting season.
Read more.U.S. Court in Denver to Hear Challenge on Water Contract Threatening Utah’s Green River
DENVER— The 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals will hear oral arguments Thursday on a challenge to a federal decision allowing Utah to take tens of thousands of additional acre-feet of water each year from the Upper Colorado River Basin at the Green River below Flaming Gorge Dam. The Interior Department’s 2019 decision failed to account for drought-induced climate warming.
Read more.Sen. Schumer Wins 2022 Rubber Dodo Award
WASHINGTON— Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer won the Center for Biological Diversity’s Rubber Dodo award today for inserting a last-minute rider into the 2023 omnibus budget bill that potentially condemns the North Atlantic right whale to extinction.
Read more.Potter Valley Eagle Tree Still Stands
POTTER VALLEY, Calif.—Pacific Gas and Electric has agreed to a temporary reprieve for a bald eagle’s nest proposed for removal in Mendocino County while negotiations continue between the company, the Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians, and environmental groups.
Read more.Lawsuit Launched to Protect Oregon Spotted Frogs in Upper Deschutes River
BEND, Ore.—The Center for Biological Diversity filed a formal notice today of its intent to sue two federal agencies for approving a habitat conservation plan in the upper Deschutes River that fails to ensure the Wickiup Dam won’t drive the threatened Oregon spotted frog extinct.
Read more.Lawsuit Challenges EPA’s Delay in Reducing Harmful Soot Pollution in California, Pennsylvania
OAKLAND, Calif.— Conservation and public health groups sued the Environmental Protection Agency today for failing to ensure that an effective plan is in place to reduce soot pollution in Los Angeles.
Read more.Tribal Nation, Environmental Groups Demand Reprieve for Bald Eagle Nest in Northern California
WILLITS, Calif.— The Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians and environmental advocates are calling on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to revoke a permit that would allow Pacific Gas & Electric to cut a tree in Mendocino County that contains a historic eagles nest.
Read more.Oregon Butterfly Is Endangered Species Act Success
PORTLAND, Ore.— The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced today that the Fender’s blue butterfly will be downlisted from endangered to threatened under the federal Endangered Species Act. This action is based on the recovery of butterfly populations in Oregon’s Willamette Valley.
Read more.Oregon, Northern California Coastal Chinook Salmon Move Closer to Endangered Species Protection
PORTLAND, Ore.— In response to a petition by the Native Fish Society, Center for Biological Diversity and Umpqua Watersheds, the National Marine Fisheries Service determined today that the Oregon Coast and southern Oregon/Northern California Coast Chinook salmon may warrant protection under the Endangered Species Act.
Read more.300 Groups Urge Biden Administration to Phase Out Federal Fossil Fuels to Keep Climate Promises, International Commitments
WASHINGTON— More than 300 community groups sent a letter to the Interior Department today outlining nine concrete steps it has authority to take to bring public lands and waters management in line with climate science and the president’s own climate promises.
Read more.Forest Service Urged to Reject Massive Idaho Gold Mine Threatening Endangered Species, Public Health
MCCALL, Idaho— A planned open-pit cyanide leach gold mine in Idaho’s Salmon River Mountains would jeopardize public health and clean water, harm endangered species, violate Indigenous treaty rights and permanently scar thousands of acres of public land in the headwaters of the South Fork Salmon River, a coalition of local and national conservation groups said.
Read more.$15,000 Reward Offered for Info on Oregon Wolf Killed Illegally in Late 2022
PORTLAND, Ore.— Wildlife conservation groups today announced a $10,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction for the illegal killing of a collared male wolf in Klamath County late last fall.
Read more.Lawsuit Launched to Protect Tiehm’s Buckwheat From Cattle Trampling
RENO, Nev.— The Center for Biological Diversity filed a notice today of its intent to sue the U.S. Bureau of Land Management to protect the rare Nevada wildflower Tiehm’s buckwheat from destruction due to cattle grazing. The notice seeks to remove cattle from the buckwheat’s federally protected critical habitat.
Read more.Critical Habitat in California Wine Country Slated for Conservation
NAPA COUNTY, Calif.— Approximately 2,300 acres of intact wildlife habitat in Napa County is expected to be sold to a land trust for permanent protection under an agreement announced this week.
Read more.Lawsuit Seeks Federal Emergency Management Agency Documents on Fossil Fuel Spending
WASHINGTON— The Center for Biological Diversity sued the Federal Emergency Management Agency today for failing to release public records about the agency’s spending on energy-related projects and assistance to help communities rebuild after disasters. The records should show how much FEMA spends on fossil-fuel related projects compared to renewable energy alternatives.
Read more.U.S. Urged to Deny Huge Arizona Pump Storage Projects Targeting Black Mesa
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz.— Tó Nizhóní Ání, Diné Citizens Against Ruining our Environment and the Center for Biological Diversity have filed motions urging the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to deny preliminary permit applications for three pump storage projects southeast of Kayenta on the Navajo Nation.
Read more.Hawai‘i’s Iconic ‘I‘iwi Receives Habitat Protections
HONOLULU— The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced today it plans to designate more than 275,000 acres as protected critical habitat for the threatened ‘i‘iwi, the best known of Hawai‘i’s imperiled honeycreepers.
Read more.Court Forces EPA to Address Harms of Four Pesticides to Endangered Species
WASHINGTON— The District of Columbia Circuit Court of Appeals today ordered the Environmental Protection Agency to address the harms of four pesticides to endangered plants and animals.
Read more.Senate Democrats Pass Extinction Omnibus, Endangering Right Whale
WASHINGTON— The Democratic-controlled Senate passed its massive omnibus funding package today that includes an unprecedented right whale extinction rider. The measure will allow the U.S. lobster fishery to delay for six years essential conservation actions to prevent fishing gear from entangling and killing critically endangered North Atlantic right whales. The rider was inserted by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.
Read more.Svitlana Romanko, Joye Braun Honored With Rose Braz Award for Bold Activism
OAKLAND, Calif.— The Center for Biological Diversity today awarded the 2022 “Rose Braz Award for Bold Activism” to Svitlana Romanko and posthumously to the late Joye Braun.
Read more.Legal Victory: Court Rules EPA’s Registration of Bee-Killing Insecticide Unlawful, Citing Failure to Assess Risks to Endangered Species
SAN FRANCISCO— In a major win for pollinators and other wildlife, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit today ordered the Environmental Protection Agency to protect endangered species from the bee-killing insecticide sulfoxaflor. The court held that the agency’s 2019 decision to allow new uses of sulfoxaflor across more than 200 million acres of pollinator-attractive crops violated the Endangered Species Act.
Read more.Lawsuit Challenges Biden Administration Oil Leasing in Alaska’s Cook Inlet
ANCHORAGE, Alaska— National and community-based environmental groups filed a legal challenge today to stop the Department of the Interior’s lease sale in Cook Inlet, Alaska. Lease sale 258, scheduled for Dec. 30, would auction off nearly a million acres of federal waters in southcentral Alaska, opening the door to decades of future oil and gas drilling.
Read more.Nearly 4,200 Acres of Habitat Protected for Endangered Florida Fern
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.— The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today protected 4,195 acres of critical habitat for the endangered Florida bristle fern. The fern, found in small patches in Miami-Dade and Sumter counties, is acutely threatened by historic and ongoing habitat loss from development and sea-level rise.
Read more.Minnesota Releases Final Wolf Management Plan
MINNEAPOLIS— The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources today released its final wolf management plan, which will guide the state’s wolf conservation efforts for the next decade. It replaces a previous plan that was last updated in 2001.
Read more.Right Whale Condemned to Extinction in Senate Omnibus
WASHINGTON— With no process or accountability, Sen. Chuck Schumer and Appropriations Chair Patrick Leahy inserted an unprecedented right whale policy rider into the omnibus funding budget released today. Schumer’s measure gives the U.S. lobster fishery six years to delay necessary actions to prevent fishing gear from entangling and killing critically endangered North Atlantic right whales.
Read more.BLM Starts Permitting for Nevada Lithium Mine That Threatens Rare Wildflower
RENO, Nev.— The U.S. Bureau of Land Management announced the start of environmental review today for a Nevada lithium mine that jeopardizes an endangered wildflower, kicking off a 30-day scoping comment period that spans the holidays.
Read more.Biodiversity Summit Agrees to Protect 30% of Planet by 2030
MONTREAL— A global agreement was reached today to protect 30% of terrestrial, freshwater and marine areas by 2030. The 15th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity, or COP15, in Montreal concluded by adopting the “Kunming-Montreal Global biodiversity framework.” The framework centers the role of Indigenous Peoples in meeting the habitat goals and vastly increases financing for biodiversity.
Read more.Lawsuit Challenges San Bernardino County Approval of Polluting Warehouse Near Schools, Homes
BLOOMINGTON, Calif.— Environmental justice and conservation groups sued San Bernardino County today for approving a Bloomington warehouse complex without adequately addressing the harms it will cause to air quality, public health and housing.
Read more.Southeast Freshwater Champion Receives 2022 E.O. Wilson Biodiversity Award
GAINESVILLE, Fla.— Jim Williams, Ph.D, an icon of research and advocacy for endangered species in the American Southeast, is the 2022 recipient of the Center for Biological Diversity’s annual E.O. Wilson Award for Outstanding Science in Biodiversity Conservation.
Read more.Federal Officials Urged to Save Coastal Birds at Florida State Park
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.— Conservation groups sent a letter today urging the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to enforce the Migratory Bird Treaty Act if Florida doesn’t swiftly rein in threats to protected coastal birds at the Sunshine Skyway Fishing Pier State Park.
Read more.Colorado Judge Rules Polis Administration Broke Air Quality Law Over West Elk Coal Mine Permit
GUNNISON, Colo.— A Colorado court has ruled that Gov. Jared Polis’ administration violated state law by failing to act on an air pollution permit for the West Elk coal mine in western Colorado.
Read more.Lawsuit Launched to Stop Arizona Border Shipping Containers From Damming Streams, Washes
TUCSON, Ariz.— The Center for Biological Diversity filed a notice today of its intent to sue Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey’s administration and state contractor AshBritt, Inc., for violating federal law by blocking streams and washes along the U.S.-Mexico border with hundreds of shipping containers.
Read more.Whitebark Pine Protected as Threatened Under Endangered Species Act
PORTLAND, Ore.— The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced today that the whitebark pine will be listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. The pine is the most widespread tree to receive such protection. It occurs in high-elevation areas of Washington, Oregon, California, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming and Nevada.
Read more.Demanda empuja a EE. UU. a sancionar a México mientras la vaquita marina se acerca a la extinción
NUEVA YORK— Organizaciones ambientalistas demandaron hoy al Departamento del Interior de EE. UU. ante un tribunal federal para forzar una decisión largamente postergada de sancionar a México por permitir la pesca y el comercio ilegales que ponen en peligro a la vaquita marina.
Read more.Tiehm’s Buckwheat Protected as Endangered Species
RENO, Nev.— The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service finalized Endangered Species Act protection today for the rare wildflower Tiehm’s buckwheat, responding to a petition and litigation from the Center for Biological Diversity.
Read more.Lawsuit Pushes U.S. to Sanction Mexico as Vaquita Porpoise Nears Extinction
NEW YORK— Conservation groups sued the U.S. Department of the Interior today in federal court to force a long overdue decision to sanction Mexico for allowing illegal fishing and trade that endanger the vaquita porpoise.
Read more.International Coalition Urges Inter-American Commission on Human Rights to Investigate Abuses of Industrial Meat, Egg, Dairy Facilities
WASHINGTON— Indigenous, human-rights, conservation, and public-health groups are asking the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights to hold a thematic hearing on human-rights abuses caused by industrial meat, egg and dairy facilities across the American continents.
Read more.Reindeer Population Wins Endangered Species Protection in Time for Holidays
WASHINGTON— The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service protected the Dolphin and Union caribou today as endangered under the Endangered Species Act. This specific population of barren-ground caribou (Rangifer tarandus groenlandicus) — also known as reindeer — inhabits the Arctic regions of Canada’s northern territories. The endangered listing restricts trade in Dolphin and Union caribou in the United States.
Read more.EPA Report: Automakers Stalling on Clean Vehicles
WASHINGTON— Major automakers are selling millions of gas guzzlers and a relative handful of electric and other clean vehicles, making little progress against pollution, according to the Automotive Trends Report released today by the Environmental Protection Agency.
Read more.Petition Seeks Jaguar Reintroduction, Habitat Protection in New Mexico, Arizona
SILVER CITY, N.M.— The Center for Biological Diversity petitioned the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today to reintroduce jaguars to the Southwest. The largest cat in the Americas was put on the endangered species list 50 years ago, but because of federal inaction, only a single known wild jaguar now survives in the United States.
Read more.Heavy Reliance on Wolf Killing in Colorado’s Draft Management Plan
DENVER— Colorado Parks and Wildlife today unveiled a draft restoration and management plan for wolves in the state. But the proposed plan allows for wolves to be killed frequently and would let the state remove protections before a sustainable population is established.
Read more.Rising Threats to Wildlife Reported by Red List as Global Biodiversity Negotiations Plod On in Montreal
MONTREAL— An update released today by the International Union for Conservation of Nature found that 28% of plants and animals around the globe are threatened with extinction. The new IUCN Red List identifies 42,108 species as threatened out of 150,388 species for which there is enough information to determine a conservation status.
Read more.Court Orders U.S. to Examine California Shipping Lanes’ Role in Endangered Whale Deaths
OAKLAND, Calif.— A federal court ruled in favor of the Center for Biological Diversity and Friends of the Earth Wednesday in their lawsuit challenging the failure of the National Marine Fisheries Service and the U.S. Coast Guard to protect endangered whales from being struck by ships using California ports.
Read more.Scientists Demand Endangered Species Act Protection for Pacific Walrus
WASHINGTON— Twelve scientists urged the Department of the Interior and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today to promptly protect the Pacific walrus under the Endangered Species Act. The Center for Biological Diversity first submitted a petition to list the Pacific walrus (Odobenus rosmarus) as threatened or endangered in 2008, more than a decade ago.
Read more.Uranium Mine Gears Up Near Grand Canyon National Park
GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK, Ariz.— The Pinyon Plain Mine (formerly Canyon Mine) appears to be gearing up for uranium mining operations fewer than 10 miles from the south rim of the Grand Canyon. Hundreds more uranium mines could eventually be developed on federal public lands near Grand Canyon National Park if the Senate fails to pass Senate Bill 387, the Grand Canyon Protection Act.
Read more.Defense Bill Includes Massive Military Land Grab in Nevada
RENO, Nev.— The final version of the National Defense Authorization Act released Tuesday night by the House Rules Committee contains provisions that would enable an enormous military land grab in Nevada.
Read more.Legal Agreement Blocks Oil Drilling on 725,000 Acres of California Central Coast
MARINA, Calif.— A federal judge approved an agreement today to suspend new oil and gas leasing across more than 725,000 acres of public lands in California’s Central Coast and the Bay Area. The legal agreement was reached by conservation groups, Monterey County, Santa Cruz County and the U.S. Bureau of Land Management.
Read more.Lawsuit Aims to Protect Highly Endangered Amargosa Voles in California
LOS ANGELES— The Center for Biological Diversity sued the U.S. Bureau of Land Management today to protect highly imperiled Amargosa voles from unmanaged recreational use within their federally protected critical habitat. The voles’ small range is limited to dense bulrush marshes near a popular hot spring in the Mojave Desert outside Tecopa, California.
Read more.Global Leaders at COP15 Urged to Stop Extinction Now
MONTREAL— Thousands of scientists and advocates from around the world are urging international biodiversity conference delegates to draft an ambitious framework to end the extinction crisis and safeguard biodiversity and Indigenous communities. The 15th Conference of the Parties of the Convention on Biological Diversity, or COP15, opens today in Montreal.
Read more.Tuesday Morning Rally to Urge Congress to Oppose Manchin’s Dirty Deal
WASHINGTON— Members of Congress and climate justice advocates will rally Tuesday morning outside the Cannon House Office Building to oppose Sen. Joe Manchin’s massive giveaway to the fossil fuel industry.
Read more.750 Groups Blast Manchin Ploy to Include Dirty Deal in Defense Bill
WASHINGTON— As West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin continues to promote his fossil fuel permitting scheme, more than 750 climate, environmental justice, public health, youth and progressive organizations sent a letter to Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Congressional leadership today opposing what they call a “cruel and direct attack on environmental justice communities.”
Read more.Emergency Endangered Species Act Protections Sought for Clear Lake Hitch
CLEARLAKE, Calif.— Together with the Big Valley Band of Pomo Indians, Robinson Rancheria of Pomo Indians, Habematolel Pomo of Upper Lake and the Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians, the Center for Biological Diversity urged Interior Secretary Debra Haaland and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today to provide emergency protections to the Clear Lake hitch.
Read more.Newsom Administration Sued Over New Oil, Gas Wells Near Homes, Recent Spills
SACRAMENTO, Calif.— The Center for Biological Diversity sued California oil regulators today for approving more than a dozen new oil and gas wells in Los Angeles and Kern counties, some near homes and schools, without conducting a required review intended to protect public health and the environment.
Read more.Lawsuit Challenges City of Bakersfield’s Diversions of Kern River
BAKERSFIELD, Calif.— Conservation groups have sued the city of Bakersfield for diverting water from the Kern River and ignoring the harms such diversions do to the community and wildlife. The lawsuit, filed in Kern County Superior Court on Wednesday, seeks greater protections for the river, which is completely dry near Bakersfield because of diversions for agricultural use.
Read more.EPA Renewable Fuels ‘Set Rule’ to Destroy Habitat, Kill Endangered Species, Degrade Water Quality
WASHINGTON— The Environmental Protection Agency released its long-delayed proposal today establishing fuel volume requirements for corn ethanol and other biofuels for 2023, 2024 and 2025. The so-called “set rule” was the EPA’s first opportunity to set such volume requirements at any level, including below the congressionally mandated floors in place over the previous decade.
Read more.Lawsuit Launched to Seek Federal Protections for Two Turtles, Rare Flower
WASHINGTON— The Center for Biological Diversity filed a formal notice of intent today to sue the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for failing to protect the alligator snapping turtle, Pearl River map turtle and bracted twistflower under the Endangered Species Act.
Read more.Dixie Valley Toad Receives Final Endangered Species Protections
RENO, Nev.— The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today announced it has finalized Endangered Species Act protections for the highly imperiled Dixie Valley toad. The toad was protected under a rare emergency order in April, and those emergency protections expire Dec. 2.
Read more.Florida Strengthens Manatee Protections in Boater Safety Courses
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.— In response to a petition from conservation organizations, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission voted today to amend its boater safety course to protect imperiled manatees and other marine life.
Read more.Endangered Wildlife Win Protections From Lead on National Wildlife Refuges
WASHINGTON— A federal judge today ordered the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to take measures to protect endangered wildlife harmed by expanded hunting and fishing on national wildlife refuges. The protections include phasing out the use of poisonous lead ammunition and tackle at several refuges across the country.
Read more.Two California Plants Saved From Extinction by Endangered Species Act
LOS ANGELES— The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today proposed to remove two Channel Islands plants from the endangered species list because they have successfully recovered.
Read more.$60K Awarded to Students Focused on Protecting Southern California’s Signature River
VENTURA COUNTY, Calif.— The Utom Conservation Fund, a group of cultural and environmental organizations, has awarded $60,000 in scholarships and fellowships to students dedicated to the conservation of the Santa Clara River, also known as Utom.
Read more.Northern Long-Eared Bats Win Endangered Species Protection
PORTLAND, Ore.— The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service listed northern long-eared bats as endangered today, reversing a previous “threatened” listing that allowed destructive activities like clearcutting to proceed in the bats' habitat.
Read more.New Lawsuit Demands National Gray Wolf Recovery Plan
WASHINGTON— The Center for Biological Diversity filed a lawsuit today challenging the failure of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to develop a national gray wolf recovery plan under the Endangered Species Act.
Read more.CITES Meeting Concludes With Bids to Open Ivory, Rhino Horn Trading Defeated
PANAMA CITY— Countries at the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species meeting confirmed votes Thursday rejecting resumption of the ivory and rhinoceros horn trade, sparing elephants and rhinos from increased threats.
Read more.CITES Vote Grants 21 U.S. Turtle Species International Trade Protections
PANAMA CITY— Countries from around the globe voted at the CITES conference today to restrict trade in 21 U.S. turtle species. The decision was made at the 19th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species.
Read more.Groups Petition EPA to Require Better Measurement of Toxic Air Pollution Emitted by Colorado Plant’s Disposal of Fossil Fuel Waste
PARACHUTE, Colo.— Conservation and public health groups filed a petition today urging the Environmental Protection Agency to require adequate measurement of the toxic air pollution being emitted by a facility that disposes of liquid waste from fracking and oil and gas production.
Read more.Critical Habitat Proposed for Endangered Florida Bonneted Bat
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.— Following a court-ordered agreement, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on Monday proposed protecting nearly 1.2 million acres of critical habitat for the endangered Florida bonneted bat. The native bat faces devastating habitat loss from climate change and urban sprawl.
Read more.Conservation Groups Intervene to Protect Utah Monuments, Antiquities Act
SALT LAKE CITY— Conservation groups filed a motion today to intervene in two lawsuits challenging President Biden’s restoration of Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante national monuments. The lawsuits, led by the state of Utah, also attack the Antiquities Act as unlawful.
Read more.Legal Victory: Court Orders EPA to Protect Endangered Wildlife From Toxic Pesticide
WASHINGTON— A federal appeals court ordered the Environmental Protection Agency today to fulfill its long-delayed mandatory duties to protect endangered species from the highly toxic insecticide cyantraniliprole.
Read more.EPA Requires St. Croix Refinery to Obtain New Air Permit Before Restarting
ST. CROIX, U.S. Virgin Islands— The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has announced that the oil refinery on St. Croix cannot restart without a new comprehensive Clean Air Act permit, called the Prevention of Significant Deterioration permit.
Read more.New Washington Wildlife Commission Policy Forecloses Spring Bear Hunt
OLYMPIA, Wash.— The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission voted 5-4 on Friday to adopt a policy that forecloses spring black bear hunting, effectively ending the hunt unless the commission votes to reverse its decision in the future.
Read more.Petition Urges Fish and Wildlife Service to Protect Manatee as Endangered
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.— The Center for Biological Diversity, Harvard Animal Law & Policy Clinic, Miami Waterkeeper, Save the Manatee Club and Frank S. González García today petitioned the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to increase protections for West Indian manatees. The petition urges the Service to reclassify the species from threatened to endangered under the Endangered Species Act.
Read more.New Survey: 90% of Americans Want Less Materialistic Holidays
TUCSON, Ariz.— A new national survey by the Center for Biological Diversity found that 90% of Americans wish the holiday season was less materialistic and 87% believe the holidays should be more about family and caring for others, not giving and receiving gifts. The paid, national random online survey of over 900 people was conducted between Sept. 27 and Oct. 17, 2022.
Read more.COP27 Makes Breakthrough on Loss and Damage But Flops on Fossil Fuels
SHARM EL-SHEIKH, Egypt— The United Nations climate summit ended in Egypt today with a critical failure to include commitments to phase out all climate-heating fossil fuels as the science behind the Paris Agreement demands.
Read more.Petition Seeks California Endangered Species Protection for Sage Grouse
SAN DIEGO— The Center for Biological Diversity filed a petition today to protect greater sage grouse in the state under the California Endangered Species Act. The petition, filed with the California Fish and Game Commission, demonstrates that most of the greater sage grouse populations in California have declined significantly and are at imminent risk of being wiped out.
Read more.Nations Vote to Restrict Trade in 3 Imperiled Indo-Pacific Sea Cucumbers
PANAMA CITY— Parties to CITES voted today to protect the pineapple sea cucumber, the amberfish sea cucumber and the red-lined or ‘candycane’ sea cucumber. All species are threatened by trade and will be protected under Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.
Read more.Lesser Prairie Chicken Protected Under Endangered Species Act
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.— In a victory for lesser prairie chickens, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced today it would protect the iconic grassland bird under the Endangered Species Act.
Read more.New Mexico, Arizona Advocates Rally at Forest Service to Support Urgent Climate Action
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.— Activists rallied at the Forest Service Region 3 headquarters in Albuquerque today to call on federal agencies and the Biden administration to enact meaningful solutions to the climate crisis, including protecting carbon-storing mature and old-growth trees from logging and ending fossil fuel extraction.
Read more.Lawsuit Aims to Protect Critical Habitat for Rare South Florida Beetle
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.— Conservation groups sued the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today to push the agency to protect endangered Miami tiger beetles by designating lifesaving critical habitat. The proposed critical habitat includes areas in Miami’s Richmond Pine Rocklands, which are under imminent threat from development.
Read more.Judge Allows Biden Administration to Delay Restoring Critical Endangered Species Act Protections
WASHINGTON— In a major setback for wildlife protection and conservation, a federal district court today sided with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service, delaying the restoration of comprehensive Endangered Species Act protections for hundreds of species and the places they call home.
Read more.120-Plus Groups Call on EPA to Protect Black, Indigenous, People of Color From Pesticides
WASHINGTON— More than 120 groups today urged Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael Regan to put commonsense safeguards in place to better protect Black, Indigenous, and other people of color, as well as low-wealth communities, from disproportionate harm from pesticides.
Read more.Biden Administration Announces Tighter Rules for African Elephant Imports
WASHINGTON— The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposed new restrictions today on U.S. imports of sport-hunted African elephant trophies and live trade. The proposal halts trophy imports from countries who cannot certify annually that their elephant populations are “stable or increasing,” have up-to-date population data, or have adequate conservation legislation. But today’s proposal stops short of a total ban on trophy and live elephant imports.
Read more.Historic Announcement Ends Net Pen Fish Farms in Washington
SEATTLE— In an announcement late Monday night, the Washington Department of Natural Resources revealed it would not be renewing any of Cooke Aquaculture’s permits for in-water fish net pens in Washington state.
Read more.Lawsuit Challenges Army Corps Decision Imperiling Wetlands Near Okefenokee Swamp
WASHINGTON— On behalf of four conservation groups, the Southern Environmental Law Center today challenged, in federal court, a decision by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to unlawfully reinstate jurisdictional determinations that removed Clean Water Act protections from almost 600 acres of wetlands on the doorstep of the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge.
Read more.Lawsuit Launched to Protect Rare Nevada Fish
RENO, Nev.— The Center for Biological Diversity today filed a formal notice of intent to sue the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for failing to protect the Fish Lake Valley tui chub under the Endangered Species Act.
Read more.Lawsuit Launched to Protect Utah’s Least Chub
TUCSON, Ariz.— The Center for Biological Diversity filed a formal notice today of its intent to sue the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for failing to protect the imperiled least chub under the Endangered Species Act.
Read more.8 Billion People on Earth Crowding Out Imperiled Animals, Plants
TUCSON, Ariz.— The world population hit 8 billion people today, accelerating the global extinction crisis for animals and plants imperiled by population growth’s effects on habitat, water, air, and other natural resources.
Read more.Albuquerque Rally at Forest Service Headquarters Aims to Protect Mature Forests, Keep Fossil Fuels In the Ground
ALBUQUERQUE— Conservation groups will rally in front of the U.S. Forest Service Region 3 headquarters in Albuquerque Wednesday to urge the Biden administration to stop logging mature and old-growth forests on public lands and enact a lasting rule to protect them. The groups also will deliver petitions and letters from thousands of people who want these climate-saving carbon sinks protected.
Read more.Lawsuit Launched to Protect Imperiled Southern Hognose Snake
WASHINGTON— The Center for Biological Diversity filed a formal notice today of its intent to sue the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for denying Endangered Species Act protections to the southern hognose snake. The species lives in coastal plain habitat in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina. It used to also be found in Alabama and Mississippi, but populations there have disappeared.
Read more.Report: U.S. Agencies Undermine Biden’s Pledge to Protect Climate-Saving Forests
WASHINGTON— As world leaders gather to address the climate crisis, U.S. land management agencies are undermining President Biden’s commitment to conserve mature and old-growth forests and trees by logging thousands of acres on public lands that serve as climate-saving carbon sinks, according to a new report released today.
Read more.Female Horseshoe Crabs Protected From Bait Harvest in Delaware Bay
LONG BRANCH, N.J.— The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission voted today to temporarily halt the harvest of female horseshoe crabs in Delaware Bay, a crucial nesting area and stopover habitat for endangered red knots and other migratory shorebirds that feed on the crabs’ eggs.
Read more.Shortfin Mako Shark Denied Federal Protections
WASHINGTON— The highly imperiled shortfin mako shark was denied federal protection today by NOAA Fisheries, which stated that a listing under the federal Endangered Species Act is “not warranted.” In June 2022 Defenders of Wildlife and the Center for Biological Diversity threatened to sue the agency for failing to meet its statutory deadline to make this decision.
Read more.California’s Revised Net Metering Plan Still Fails Environmental Justice Communities
SAN FRANCISCO— The California Public Utilities Commission’s proposed revised state net-metering plan, released today, abandons the hefty solar tax from last year’s proposal but still threatens to put affordable renewable energy out of reach for most communities.
Read more.Nations to Meet in Panama to Tackle Wildlife Trade
PANAMA CITY, Panama— Officials from around the globe will convene in Panama City Nov. 14 for the triennial conference of the parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species. The CITES treaty regulates trade in imperiled or potentially threatened animals and plants, and plays a critical role in combating wildlife exploitation, a key driver of the extinction crisis.
Read more.Endangered Species Condoms Sent to UN to Highlight Population Growth’s Effects on Biodiversity
TUCSON, Ariz.— The Center for Biological Diversity has mailed Endangered Species Condoms to the United Nations Population Fund, the United Nations Environment Program, and the United Nations Secretary General to encourage the organization to talk about how continued unsustainable population growth negatively affects biodiversity. The message is exceptionally important as humanity exceeds 8 billion people on Nov. 15.
Read more.Legal Petition Urges Biden Administration to Stop New Deepwater Ports for Oil, Gas Exports
HOUSTON— The Center for Biological Diversity and 289 organizations sent a legal petition today to the Maritime Administration, or MARAD, an agency in the U.S. Department of Transportation, demanding that the Biden administration halt approvals of new deepwater port infrastructure for oil and gas exports.
Read more.15 Turtle Experts Back Florida’s Continued Ban on Breeding Diamondback Terrapins for Profit
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.— A group of 15 leading turtle experts sent a letter today urging Florida wildlife commissioners to maintain rules that prohibit for-profit breeding of native diamondback terrapin turtles.
Read more.Lawsuit Launched to Protect Endangered Species From Cattle Grazing in Arizona’s Tonto National Forest
TUCSON, Ariz.— The Center for Biological Diversity and Maricopa Audubon filed a notice today of their intent to sue the U.S. Forest Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for their repeated failure to control cows illegally grazing in endangered species critical habitat, primarily along the Salt River and its tributaries.
Read more.Investigators Uncover Rampant Wildlife Trafficking in Mexico
LA PAZ, Mexico— A report from the Center for Biological Diversity released today finds that trafficking of imperiled wild animals is widespread across Mexico. Species like jaguars, sloths, howler monkeys, crocodiles, sea cucumbers and parrots are traded openly in a robust digital marketplace aided by social media.
Read more.A sólo un clic, tráfico de vida silvestre en México
LA PAZ, México— “Vendo o cambio, bonito ejemplar de cocodrilo mexicano, gente seria, no preguntones, ni chinches $$$”. Así se promueve en redes sociales Juan, joven originario de Chimalhuacán, Estado de México, que ofrece dos ejemplares de cocodrilo de pantano, sin documentación o registro a través de un grupo de Facebook.
Read more.Biden Administration Flouts Climate Goals With Inflation Reduction Act’s First Onshore Oil, Gas Lease Sales
WASHINGTON— The Biden administration is working against U.S. climate goals and failing to protect communities, water and wildlife by auctioning oil and gas leases on public lands under the Inflation Reduction Act, climate and conservation groups said in formal comments submitted today.
Read more.Sickle Darter Protected as Threatened Under Endangered Species Act
KNOXVILLE, Tenn.— In response to a 2010 petition and 2015 agreement with the Center for Biological Diversity, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today announced a final rule to protect the sickle darter as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. But in today’s decision, the agency failed to designate critical habitat for the fish.
Read more.Fish and Wildlife Service Drops Ball on Protecting 42 Species
PORTLAND, Ore.— For the sixth fiscal year in a row, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has failed to follow its own workplan for addressing a backlog of plants and animals waiting for protection decisions under the Endangered Species Act. Among those left in the lurch are the Suwannee alligator snapping turtle, Mt. Rainier white-tailed ptarmigan and whitebark pine.
Read more.Newly Obtained EPA Documents Reveal Seresto Flea Collars Now Linked to More Than 100,000 Reports of Harm to Pets, Nearly 2,700 Deaths
WASHINGTON— Reports of harm to pets wearing Seresto flea collars have now soared to 100,592, including 2,698 deaths, according to new Environmental Protection Agency incident reports obtained by the Center for Biological Diversity.
Read more.Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest Bans Livestock Grazing Across 33,000 Acres in Big Win for Sage-Grouse, Other Wildlife
BRIDGEPORT, Calif.— The Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest released its final decision today to deny cattle grazing on almost 33,000 acres of scenic, biodiverse public lands in the Eastern Sierra. The area harbors habitat for bi-state greater sage-grouse, rare Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep and Lahontan cutthroat trout.
Read more.Lawsuit Challenges Colorado’s Approval of Increased Air Pollution From Tanker Truck Facility in Commerce City
DENVER— Conservation and community groups sued the Colorado Air Pollution Control Division today for issuing a permit allowing Polar Service Center, a tanker truck repair shop, to emit increased asthma- and cancer-causing air pollution.
Read more.Pacific Fisher to Gain 41,000 Additional Acres of Protected California Habitat
YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, Calif.— Following years of efforts by the Center for Biological Diversity and other conservation groups, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today proposed increasing the amount of protected critical habitat for Pacific fishers in the southern Sierra Nevada by 41,041 acres.
Read more.California Regulators Urged to Ban Herbicide Linked to Parkinson’s Disease
OAKLAND, Calif.— Conservation and public health groups today called on the California Department of Pesticide Regulation to reevaluate approval of the herbicide paraquat and ban its use in the state.
Read more.California Court Blocks Harmful Dam Project in Stanislaus County
PATTERSON, Calif.— A judge has rejected plans to build a new dam in the Central Valley, ordering the Del Puerto Water District to vacate its approval of the project.
Read more.Appeal Challenges Plain City Wastewater Permit to Protect Ohio’s Big Darby Creek
COLUMBUS, Ohio— The Ohio Environmental Council, Center for Biological Diversity and Darby Creek Association appealed a Plain City Wastewater Treatment Plant permit Wednesday that would double the amount of polluting discharge the facility is allowed to release into Big Darby Creek.
Read more.Court Allows Environmentalists’ Request to Intervene in Exxon Trucking Case
SANTA BARBARA, Calif.— A federal judge ruled today that conservation and Indigenous groups can help legally defend Santa Barbara County’s denial of ExxonMobil’s proposal to truck vast quantities of oil along dangerous California roads.
Read more.Environmentalists Seek to Join Federal Fight Against Arizona Shipping Containers Along Border
TUCSON, Ariz.— The Center for Biological Diversity asked a federal judge today for permission to join the Biden administration as a defendant in Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey’s lawsuit challenging federal authority along the Arizona-Mexico border.
Read more.Maui Hotel, Conservation Groups Reach Agreement to Protect Endangered Hawaiian Petrel
WAILEA, Hawai‘i— In accordance with a recent settlement agreement, the Grand Wailea Resort on Maui has implemented protective measures, including reducing lighting, to help protect the endangered ‘ua‘u, or Hawaiian petrel. The agreement, which was finalized on Oct. 21, resolves an Endangered Species Act case brought by Conservation Council for Hawai‘i and the Center for Biological Diversity, which were represented by Earthjustice.
Read more.Emergency Petition Seeks to Shield Right Whale Moms, Calves From Ship Strikes
WASHINGTON— Conservation groups filed an emergency rulemaking petition with the National Marine Fisheries Service today to protect critically endangered North Atlantic right whales from being struck and killed by vessels in their calving grounds off the coast of the southeast United States.
Read more.New Tulsa Mural Will Highlight Endangered American Burying Beetle
TULSA, Okla.— The Center for Biological Diversity will host a community event in Tulsa on Saturday, Nov. 5, to celebrate a new mural of the American burying beetle, a vibrant endangered insect.
Read more.Petition Seeks to Protect Smalltail Shark Under Endangered Species Act
WASHINGTON— The Center for Biological Diversity submitted a petition today urging the National Marine Fisheries Service to protect the smalltail shark under the Endangered Species Act. The smalltail shark population has declined by more than 80% globally over the past 27 years.
Read more.California Crab Season Delayed to Protect Whales From Entanglements
SACRAMENTO, Calif.— The California Department of Fish and Wildlife announced today the state will delay the opening of the commercial Dungeness crab season to protect endangered humpback whales and other marine life from deadly entanglements. The department’s Risk Assessment and Mitigation Program determined that too many whales are present for crabbing to occur safely.
Read more.Legal Petition Urges California Officials to Phase Out Deadly Pesticide Linked to Climate Change
OAKLAND, Calif.— Environmental groups filed a formal legal petition today urging the California Air Resources Board to phase out the insecticide sulfuryl fluoride because of its significant contribution to global warming.
Read more.Lawsuit Launched to Protect Streaked Horned Larks as Endangered
PORTLAND, Ore.— The Center for Biological Diversity and the Audubon Society of Portland filed a formal notice today of their intent to sue the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to better protect the streaked horned lark, a rare bird found in Washington and Oregon.
Read more.Lawsuit Aims to Protect Humpback Whales From California Gillnet Entanglements
SAN FRANCISCO— The Center for Biological Diversity sued NOAA Fisheries today to force it to protect endangered Pacific humpback whales from entanglements in California drift gillnets. In the past two fishing seasons an estimated 12 Pacific humpbacks were caught in the California drift gillnet fishery, according to federal reports.
Read more.Maui Lighting Ordinance Victory for Seabirds, Turtles
KAHULUI, Hawai‘i— In a victory for seabirds and turtles, Maui today approved an ordinance regulating the amount of blue light that outdoor lighting fixtures can emit on the island. The ordinance, which was supported by the Center for Biological Diversity, Conservation Council of Hawai‘i and Earthjustice, will help endangered sea turtles and Hawaiian petrels.
Read more.Lawsuit Launched Seeking Final Endangered Species Protection for Nevada’s Rare Tiehm’s Buckwheat
RENO, Nev.— The Center for Biological Diversity filed a formal notice today of its intent to sue the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to force it to finalize Endangered Species Act protections for the rare Nevada wildflower Tiehm’s buckwheat.
Read more.Rare Cuckoo Bumblebees Move One Step Closer to U.S. Endangered Species Protection
TUCSON, Ariz.— In response to a lawsuit by the Center for Biological Diversity, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service agreed today to a deadline of December 2024 to determine whether Suckley’s cuckoo bumblebees warrant protection under the Endangered Species Act.
Read more.Lawsuit Aims to Protect Lesser Prairie Chickens Under Endangered Species Act
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.— The Center for Biological Diversity sued the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today for failing to protect lesser prairie chickens.
Read more.Emperor Penguins Win U.S. Endangered Species Act Protection
WASHINGTON— The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today granted the emperor penguin protection under the Endangered Species Act because of threats from sea-ice loss driven by the climate crisis. The decision follows a petition and lawsuit from the Center for Biological Diversity.
Read more.Lawsuit Launched to Protect Montana’s Arctic Grayling
GREAT FALLS, Mont.— Conservationists filed a formal notice today of their intent to sue the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for once again denying Montana’s Arctic grayling population Endangered Species Act protections. The parties — the Center for Biological Diversity, Western Watersheds Project, and Butte resident Pat Munday — are represented by Earthjustice.
Read more.Lawsuit Launched Against Arizona Plan to Block Jaguar Migration With Shipping Containers
TUCSON, Ariz.— The Center for Biological Diversity today filed a notice of intent to sue Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey’s administration to challenge plans to obstruct a critical jaguar and ocelot migration corridor with shipping containers along the U.S.-Mexico border.
Read more.As U.S. Pesticide Law Turns 50, Assessment Highlights Fast-Track Approvals of Poisons Banned Across Much of World
WASHINGTON— Fifty years after Congress passed the current Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act to protect people and the environment, the law has instead fast-tracked approval of dangerous pesticides banned across much of the world.
Read more.Rare Oregon Wildflower Moves Closer to Endangered Species Act Protection
PORTLAND, Ore.— The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced today that they would consider protecting the tall western penstemon under the Endangered Species Act. The agency now has 12 months to decide whether to protect the imperiled flower.
Read more.Rare Southern Bog Turtle Moves One Step Closer to Endangered Species Protection
ASHEVILLE, N.C.— The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced today that it would consider protecting the southern population of the imperiled bog turtle under the Endangered Species Act. The agency now has 12 months to decide whether to protect the turtle, which lives in Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee and Georgia.
Read more.Famed Ghost Orchid Moves One Step Closer to Endangered Species Act Protection
HOLLYWOOD, Fla.— The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced today that it will consider granting Endangered Species Act protection to the ghost orchid, a critically endangered flower. Under federal law, the agency now has until January 2023 to make a decision.
Read more.Daemen University to Host Free Screening of Childfree by Choice Film
BUFFALO, N.Y.— The Center for Biological Diversity will host a free screening of My So-Called Selfish Life, directed by Therese Shechter, a documentary that examines the choice to be childfree and the importance of reproductive rights and justice. The screening will be held at Daemen University and will be followed by a Q&A and panel discussion about the relationship between reproductive freedom and the environment.
Read more.Two California Salamanders Proposed for Endangered Species Protections
CARLSBAD, Calif.— The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today proposed protecting two species of salamander in Southern California under the Endangered Species Act, while denying protections to a third. The Kern Canyon slender salamander will be protected as threatened and the relictual slender salamander as endangered. The agency declined to protect the Kern Plateau salamander.
Read more.Aquatic Critical Habitat Proposed for Threatened Nassau Grouper
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.— The National Marine Fisheries Service has proposed to protect more than 900 square miles in the western North Atlantic Ocean for the threatened Nassau grouper. The fish’s nearshore ocean habitat faces threats from pollution and climate change harms like ocean warming and acidification.
Read more.Lawsuit Challenges Risky Project in San Diego County’s Wildfire Zone
SANTEE, Calif.— Conservation organizations have filed another lawsuit over the city of Santee’s approval of the Fanita Ranch project. The suit is part of an ongoing effort to ensure that the large-scale development project does not proceed in a wildfire-prone area without the necessary review of wildfire risk.
Read more.Eight South Florida Plants Get Proposal for Critical Habitat Protection
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.— In response to litigation filed by the Center for Biological Diversity, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposed today to protect more than 570,000 acres of habitat for eight imperiled Florida plants. All eight plants can be found in the few remaining pockets of pine rockland habitats, which have been reduced by at least 98%.
Read more.Two South Florida Snakes Proposed for Endangered Species Act Protections
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.— In response to a petition and lawsuit from the Center for Biological Diversity, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposed today to list the Key ringneck snake and Rim Rock crowned snake as endangered under the Endangered Species Act. The Service also proposed to protect 2,604 acres and 5,972 acres of critical habitat for the ringneck and crowned snake, respectively.
Read more.Legal Agreement Requires EPA to Set New Limits on Soot, Sulfur, Nitrogen Air Pollution
OAKLAND, Calif.— A federal judge approved a legal agreement today requiring the Environmental Protection Agency to update measures protecting the environment from soot, sulfur and nitrogen air pollution by Dec. 10, 2024.
Read more.Gopher Tortoise Denied Lifesaving Endangered Species Act Protection
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.— Following a petition and lawsuit by the Center for Biological Diversity, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today denied Endangered Species Act protections to the eastern population of gopher tortoise. The eastern population of animals are found in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and most of Alabama.
Read more.Lawsuit Seeks TVA Documents on Energy Plans, Fossil Fuel Industry Communications
KNOXVILLE, Tenn.— The Center for Biological Diversity sued the Tennessee Valley Authority today for failing to release thousands of pages of public records concerning the agency’s plans to build new gas plants, obstructing the transition to more affordable and resilient renewable energy.
Read more.$51,400 Reward Offered for Info on Washington Wolf Poisonings
SEATTLE— Conservation and animal-protection groups announced today an increased reward of $51,400 for information leading to a conviction in the illegal poisoning deaths of six wolves in northeastern Washington earlier this year.
Read more.La Junta de Puerto Rico rechaza la petición de la EPA de verter residuos de dragado en el océano
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico— La Junta de Planificación de Puerto Rico se ha opuesto formalmente al plan del gobierno federal de verter millones de metros cúbicos de residuos de dragado en cinco lugares en el mar alrededor de Puerto Rico.
Read more.Puerto Rico Board Denies EPA Request to Dump Dredge Waste in Ocean
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico— The Puerto Rico Planning Board has formally objected to the federal government’s plan to dispose of millions of cubic yards of dredge waste in five ocean sites around Puerto Rico without further environmental studies.
Read more.Legal Victory Speeds Habitat Protection for Endangered Florida Bonneted Bat
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.— The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service agreed today to propose critical habitat for the endangered Florida bonneted bat by Nov. 15, 2022, marking a legal victory for the Center for Biological Diversity, Miami Blue Chapter of the North American Butterfly Association and Tropical Audubon Society. The indigenous bat faces devastating habitat loss from sea-level rise and urban sprawl.
Read more.Biden Begins Massive Inflation Reduction Act Oil Leasing on Public Lands
WASHINGTON— The Bureau of Land Management announced plans this morning to begin auctioning off oil and gas leases to satisfy Inflation Reduction Act provisions that condition renewable energy rights-of-way on new oil and gas leasing.
Read more.Imperiled San Francisco Bay Fish One Step Closer to Protection
SAN FRANCISCO— The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today proposed protecting the San Francisco Bay population of longfin smelt as an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act. The formerly abundant native fish has seen its population plummet in recent decades.
Read more.USDA’s $2.8 Billion Climate-Smart Corporate Handout Raises Questions About Industry Influence
WASHINGTON— The Center for Biological Diversity submitted a Freedom of Information Act request seeking records from communications between the U.S. Department of Agriculture and large corporate meat and dairy industry trade groups about massive funding increases for the Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities projects.
Read more.Federal Officials Release Final Revised Mexican Gray Wolf Plan
SILVER CITY, N.M.— The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today released its final revised Mexican Wolf Recovery Plan with court-ordered measures to lower deaths, including those caused by illegal killings. Mexican gray wolves are one of the most endangered canids in the world, with only 196 counted in Arizona and New Mexico earlier this year.
Read more.Critical Habitat Proposed for Louisiana Pinesnake in Louisiana, Texas
NEW ORLEANS— In response to litigation by the Center for Biological Diversity, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposed today to protect 209,520 acres of critical habitat for the Louisiana pinesnake in central Louisiana and east Texas.
Read more.Alpine Flower in Northern California Proposed for Endangered Species Protection
EUREKA, Calif.— In response to a petition from the Center for Biological Diversity and allies, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposed today to protect the Lassics lupine under the Endangered Species Act with 512 acres of critical habitat in California’s Humboldt and Trinity counties.
Read more.Snail Darter Swims Off Endangered List
WASHINGTON— The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today removed the snail darter from the endangered species list because the fish has recovered. Thanks to collaborative conservation efforts since it was protected in 1975, the little fish is no longer in danger of extinction.
Read more.Hurricane Ian Reveals Dangers of Proposal to Use Toxic Phosphogypsum in Road Construction
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.— Following Hurricane Ian’s path of destruction across Florida, demolished roads and collapsed bridges highlight the danger of proposals to use toxic, radioactive phosphogypsum waste in road construction. For years, lawmakers have attempted to allow this dangerous practice.
Read more.California Oil Group Pays Fees to Advocacy Groups It Harassed, But Dodges Multimillion Dollar Judgment
LOS ANGELES— The California Independent Petroleum Association, an oil industry trade association, paid the city of Los Angeles, Youth for Environmental Justice, South Central Youth Leadership Coalition, and the Center for Biological Diversity nearly $650,000 as part of a bankruptcy reorganization plan today, after years of litigation.
Read more.Forest Service to Hold Public Hearing on Controversial Holland Lake Lodge Expansion
MISSOULA, Mont.— The U.S. Forest Service is holding a public hearing Tuesday in Condon, Montana, to take public comment on a controversial proposal by ski industry giant POWDR Corp. to triple the size of the historic Holland Lake Lodge and expand its use to include winter recreation. Originally built in 1925, and then rebuilt in 1947 following a fire, the Holland Lake Lodge currently accommodates 50 people for small summer events.
Read more.Biden Administration Greenlights Work on California Pipeline Linked to 2021 Huntington Beach Oil Spill
LONG BEACH, Calif.— The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers issued a key permit on Friday for underwater repairs that will allow the restart of the 42-year-old pipeline that ruptured off Orange County in October 2021. The rupture spilled tens of thousands of gallons of crude oil into the Pacific Ocean.
Read more.Wildlife Connectivity Bill Becomes Law in California
SACRAMENTO, Calif.— Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the Safe Roads and Wildlife Protection Act into law today, paving the way for more wildlife crossings and road improvements across the state.
Read more.New Red Wolf Recovery Plan Needs Public Input
RALEIGH, N.C.— The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today issued a revised draft recovery plan for the red wolf, the world’s most endangered canid, following a 2020 legal victory by the Center for Biological Diversity. The plan proposes several beneficial actions the federal government should take, including the establishment of new populations and ways to reduce human-caused wolf deaths.
Read more.10 Biden Administration Actions for Sustainable Food
WASHINGTON— Today’s White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition and Health is jumpstarting a critical conversation about food and nutrition security. The Biden administration acknowledges the connection between climate change and food security, but its proposal lacks the urgency to address the existential threat the climate emergency poses to agriculture and the availability of nutritious food.
Read more.Lawsuit Challenges Outdated Offshore Oil Plans in California
HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif.— The Center for Biological Diversity sued the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management today for failing to review decades-old plans for offshore oil platforms near Huntington Beach. The lawsuit comes a year after a major oil spill linked to Platform Elly in the region caused significant damage to wildlife and beaches.
Read more.Lawsuit Seeks Protection for Central Tennessee’s Imperiled Barrens Darter
WASHINGTON— The Center for Biological Diversity sued the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today over the agency’s denial of Endangered Species Act protections to the Barrens darter. Named for its home on the Barrens Plateau of central Tennessee, the darter is one of the rarest fish in North America.
Read more.Rare Florida Keys Lizard Proposed for Endangered Species Protection
MIAMI— Following a 2020 legal victory by the Center for Biological Diversity, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today proposed protecting the Florida Keys mole skink as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. The agency also proposed designating 7,068 acres of protected critical habitat.
Read more.Army Corps to Revoke Permit for Lake Pend Oreille Marina, Housing Development in Idaho
SANDPOINT, Idaho— In response to litigation from the Center for Biological Diversity and Idaho Conservation League, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers plans to revoke its permit for the Idaho Club’s marina and lakeside housing development at the mouth of Trestle Creek on Lake Pend Oreille. The creek accounts for more than half of the annual bull trout spawning sites in the Pend Oreille Basin, a species protected as threatened under the Endangered Species Act.
Read more.Manchin Pushes Most Significant Environmental Rollback in Decades
WASHINGTON— After weeks of keeping the public and virtually all members of Congress in the dark, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Sen. Joe Manchin today released the details of their secret deal that Manchin demanded as payment for voting to pass the Inflation Reduction Act.
Read more.Lawsuit Launched to Protect Threatened Coral Species
WASHINGTON— The Center for Biological Diversity today filed a notice of intent to sue the federal government for failing to protect 20 coral species in the Caribbean and Indo-Pacific. The corals all received Endangered Species Act listings in 2014 but not the protective regulations the law requires, including prohibitions on collection and sale.
Read more.Dozens of Groups Urge Interior Department to Greenlight Okefenokee World Heritage Bid
ATLANTA— More than 30 national, state and local organizations urged Secretary of the Interior Debra Haaland and the U.S. Department of the Interior today to formally authorize the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge’s bid for World Heritage listing.
Read more.Appeal Challenges Arizona Fort’s Fake Groundwater Pumping Credits That Threaten San Pedro River
TUCSON, Ariz.— Conservation groups have appealed a federal court ruling to challenge the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s granting groundwater credits to the U.S. Army’s Fort Huachuca that fail to return water to the imperiled San Pedro River.
Read more.Legal Agreement Spurs EPA to Take Stronger Steps to Reduce Smog Pollution in Areas of Five States With Some of Nation’s Worst Air Quality
OAKLAND, Calif.— As a result of a legal agreement with environmental groups, the Environmental Protection Agency has downgraded the smog pollution rating in portions of five states from “serious” to “severe.” The downgrade will trigger more protective measures to reduce the dangerous levels of smog pollution.
Read more.Victory: Court Nixes Air Permits for Formosa’s Huge Petrochemical Complex in Cancer Alley
ST. JAMES, La.— Louisiana’s 19th Judicial District Court has reversed the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality’s decision to issue air permits that Formosa Plastics needed to build its proposed petrochemical complex in St. James Parish.
Read more.Dozens of Conservation Groups, Scientists Call on New York to Protect Wolves
ALBANY, N.Y.— Nearly 40 regional and national conservation groups and leading independent scientists sent a letter today urging the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to take concrete steps to protect wolves returning to the state.
Read more.Judge Vacates Approval of Cadiz’s California Desert Water Grab
LOS ANGELES— A federal judge has vacated a U.S. Bureau of Land Management decision that would have allowed Cadiz Inc. to repurpose a mothballed oil-and-gas pipeline to drain a large aquifer in the Mojave Desert.
Read more.Lawsuit Aims to Force Biden Administration to Protect Red Squirrel, Nation’s Most Endangered Mammal, From Extinction
TUCSON, Ariz.— Conservation groups have sued the Biden administration to force two federal agencies to comply with the Endangered Species Act and protect imperiled Mount Graham red squirrels in southeastern Arizona from extinction.
Read more.California Should Reject Solar Tax, Boost Solar in Environmental Justice Communities
SACRAMENTO— More than 125 California and national climate and equity groups, representing millions of people, called on the governor’s office today to reject the California Public Utility Commission’s proposed solar tax and maintain the state’s solar credit to grow rooftop solar in environmental justice communities.
Read more.With Offshore Drilling Set to Surge, EPA Urged to Halt Fracking Waste Discharges Into Gulf of Mexico
WASHINGTON— The Center for Biological Diversity urged the Environmental Protection Agency today to prohibit discharges of fracking chemicals into the Gulf of Mexico.
Read more.Tricolored Bats Proposed for Endangered Species Act Protection
ASHEVILLE, N.C.— In response to a petition and lawsuit from the Center for Biological Diversity, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today proposed to protect tricolored bats as endangered under the Endangered Species Act. But the agency failed to designate critical habitat for the imperiled bats.
Read more.Mining Ship Departs Mexico’s Manzanillo After Shock Decision to Greenlight Deep-Sea Mining Test
MEXICO CITY— The Hidden Gem, the world’s largest vessel dedicated specifically to mining the seafloor for minerals, is staging its first mining operation. It will depart Wednesday from the Mexican Pacific port of Manzanillo.
Read more.New Wolf Family Seen in Northern Oregon’s Cascades
PORTLAND, Ore.— The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife reported Monday evening that a new family of wolves was photographed by biologists from the Confederated Tribe of the Warm Springs using a trail camera in August. The wolf family consists of two adults and two pups.
Read more.Lawsuit Aims to Protect West Coast Fisher
PORTLAND, Ore.— The Center for Biological Diversity and allies sued the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today for denying endangered species protection to West Coast fishers. Fishers are relatives of mink, otters and wolverines and live in old-growth forests.
Read more.Lawsuit Launched to Push EPA to Enforce Clean Air Act Protections for UNC-Chapel Hill’s Coal-Fired Power Plant
CHAPEL HILL, N.C.— The Center for Biological Diversity, Sierra Club and the town of Carrboro, North Carolina, filed a formal notice of intent today to sue the Environmental Protection Agency to force it to act on a petition challenging the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s inadequate air-pollution permit.
Read more.Lawsuit Launched to Protect U.S. Waters From Ship Pollution, Invasive Species
WASHINGTON— The Center for Biological Diversity and Friends of the Earth filed a notice of intent today to sue the Environmental Protection Agency for failing to finalize nationwide standards to protect U.S. waterways from harmful vessel discharges. These discharges carry invasive species, pathogens and other pollutants that pose serious threats to the nation’s waters, ecosystems, economy and public health.
Read more.Agreement Reached to Protect Endangered Species From Livestock in National Conservation Area in Arizona
PHOENIX— A federal judge approved an agreement today to protect critical habitat for threatened and endangered species from cattle grazing in southeastern Arizona’s Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area.
Read more.Lawsuit Aims to Protect Grizzlies from Expanded Grazing in Montana’s Paradise Valley
MISSOULA, Mont.— Nine conservation organizations filed a lawsuit today to challenge the U.S. Forest Service’s 2021 decision to authorize expanded livestock grazing on six allotments on the east side of Montana’s Paradise Valley. The allotments lie just north of Yellowstone National Park in occupied grizzly bear habitat.
Read more.Lawsuit Challenges EPA’s Delay in Smog Reduction in Five States
OAKLAND, Calif.— The Center for Biological Diversity and Center for Environmental Health filed an updated lawsuit today to sue the Environmental Protection Agency to force it to ensure that effective smog-reduction plans are in place in five states.
Read more.Virtual Film Festival Highlights Link Between Food Justice, Sovereignty, Sustainability
TUCSON, Ariz.— The Center for Biological Diversity will host its third annual virtual Food Justice Film Festival from Sept.15-18, featuring award-winning films and interviews with filmmakers and activists. This year’s featured films are Poisoning Paradise; Fruits of Labor; RETURN: Native American Women Reclaim Foodways for Health and Spirit; From Gangs to Gardens; The Seed Saver; and I’m Just a Layman in Pursuit of Justice: Black Farmers Fight Against the USDA. The film festival is free and open to the public.
Read more.Court Upholds Federal Action to Protect Right Whales From Deadly Entanglements in Lobster Gear
WASHINGTON— A federal court has rejected a lobster industry attack on the science supporting recent federal efforts to protect critically endangered right whales from deadly entanglements in lobster gear. The industry sued the National Marine Fisheries Service, and the Center for Biological Diversity, Conservation Law Foundation and Defenders of Wildlife intervened to defend the science.
Read more.Federal Lawsuit Challenges Forest Service OK of Oil Railway Right-of-Way
WASHINGTON— Conservation groups sued the U.S. Forest Service today to challenge the agency’s approval of construction of an oil railway through a protected roadless area of the Ashley National Forest in Utah.
Read more.Documents: Army Corps Decided to Resume Border Wall Construction 10 Days Into Biden Term
WASHINGTON— Public records show the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers decided to resume border wall construction just 10 days into the 60-day pause President Biden imposed when he took office last year. The records, obtained by the Center for Biological Diversity under the Freedom of Information Act, make clear that the Army Corps’ career staff was committed to continuing construction of Trump’s border wall.
Read more.Lawsuit Launched to Protect Critical Habitat for Rare South Florida Beetle
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.— Conservation groups notified the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today that they intend to sue over the agency’s failure to make a timely designation of lifesaving critical habitat for the endangered Miami tiger beetle.
Read more.Legal Agreement Blocks Drilling on 58,000 Acres in Montana, Dakotas Pending New Analysis
GREAT FALLS, Mont.— Conservation groups and the Bureau of Land Management have reached an agreement that will prevent new oil and gas drilling on 58,000 acres of public lands in Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota pending a new analysis of its potential harm to groundwater and the climate.
Read more.New Report Explores Link Between Environmental Harms of Capitalism, Reproductive Health
TUCSON, Ariz.— A new report from the Center for Biological Diversity explores the harms caused by environmental threats like pollution and climate chaos to fertility, pregnant people, fetuses, infants and children.
Read more.More Than 80 Conservation Groups Urge Congress to Reject Mountain Valley Pipeline in Manchin Side Deal
WASHINGTON— More than 80 conservation groups sent a letter today urging congressional leadership to reject Sen. Joe Manchin’s proposal to fast-track the approval of the Mountain Valley Pipeline as part of any “permitting reform” deal struck between Manchin and Democratic leaders.
Read more.Court Rejects Wyoming, Industry Challenge to Biden Administration Postponement of Oil, Gas Lease Sales
WASHINGTON— A federal judge in Wyoming has affirmed the Biden administration’s decisions to postpone oil and gas lease sales in early 2021, holding that the federal government has broad authority to postpone sales to address environmental concerns.
Read more.Rigorous New Study Finds Significant Water Pollution From Cattle Ranching at Point Reyes National Seashore
POINT REYES, Calif.— The most rigorous independent water quality report ever conducted in Point Reyes National Seashore has just been released by Turtle Island Restoration Network. It reveals that water pollution dangerous to public health and the environment persists at the seashore. The report, produced by geoenvironmental engineer Douglas Lovell, documents consistent and significant water quality pollution in this national park unit caused by subsidized private ranching.
Read more.Endangered Species Act Protection Sought for West Coast’s Bull Kelp
OAKLAND, Calif.— The Center for Biological Diversity petitioned NOAA Fisheries today to grant Endangered Species Act protection to bull kelp, which faces grave threats from climate change and coastal development. The range of these underwater forests extends along the western coast of the United States.
Read more.California Lawmakers OK Climate Package With Buffer Zones, Carbon Capture
SACRAMENTO, Calif.— The California legislature approved a suite of climate measures today, including historic health-and-safety setbacks that protect communities from oil and gas drilling, in its closing 2022 session.
Read more.Biden Administration Backs Offshore Fracking in California
LOS ANGELES— The Biden administration filed a request today asking the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals to overturn a lower court decision that halted offshore fracking in federal waters off California. Today’s filing asks for an “en banc” review of the key ruling.
Read more.Federal Agencies Urged to Update Mining Rules, Halt Industry Handouts
WASHINGTON— Tribal, conservation and community groups representing millions of people filed formal comments with federal agencies today calling for more protective hardrock mining rules and legislation, including requiring mineral recycling to protect people and the environment.
Read more.144,000 Call for Protecting Mature, Old-Growth Federal Forests, Trees From Logging
WASHINGTON— Environmental groups delivered 144,000 public comments today urging the U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Interior Department to protect mature and old-growth forests and trees on federal public lands from logging.
Read more.Court Sends Two Unlawful Oil Lease Sales in Gulf of Mexico Back for Reconsideration
WASHINGTON— The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled today that the Trump administration unlawfully auctioned off millions of acres to oil companies in two 2018 Gulf of Mexico lease sales.
Read more.California Senate Passes Safe Roads Bill, Putting Statewide Wildlife Connectivity Within Reach
SACRAMENTO, Calif.— The California Senate passed the Safe Roads and Wildlife Protection Act on Monday in a 35-0 vote, paving the way for more wildlife crossings across the state’s roadway system. Assembly Bill 2344 now awaits approval from the governor after a concurrence vote in the Assembly, which it passed in May.
Read more.Legal Agreement Moves Dunes Sagebrush Lizard One Step Closer to Protection
SILVER CITY, N.M.— The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service agreed yesterday to decide by June 29, 2023, whether to protect the imperiled dunes sagebrush lizard under the Endangered Species Act. The lizard has been waiting for protection for four decades.
Read more.Lawsuit Challenges Marina, Housing Development on Idaho’s Lake Pend Oreille
SANDPOINT, Idaho— The Center for Biological Diversity and Idaho Conservation League, or ICL, filed suit today against the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Army Corps of Engineers for approving the Idaho Club’s lakeside marina and housing development along Lake Pend Oreille near Trestle Creek. The creek is one of the most important spawning streams for federally protected bull trout in the Pacific Northwest.
Read more.California Clean Car Rule Fails to Match Climate Urgency
SACRAMENTO, Calif.— California’s Air Resources Board is set to finalize an auto emissions rule today that falls short of needed progress and jeopardizes the state’s pledge to be carbon neutral by 2045.
Read more.Video: California Wolf Who Journeyed to Oregon Likely a Father
PORTLAND, Ore.— The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife issued a report today announcing video footage of the den site of what could be a relatively new wolf family in southwestern Oregon. This is the first known modern-day instance of a California wolf dispersing to Oregon and likely starting a family.
Read more.Legal Agreement Requires U.S. to Re-Examine Harms to Whales From Pacific Offshore Oil Drilling
LOS ANGELES— The Center for Biological Diversity, Department of the Interior and National Marine Fisheries Service reached an agreement today that requires the agencies to re-examine the risks and harms to whales and other endangered species from continued oil and gas drilling in federal waters off California.
Read more.Over 650 Groups Call on Congressional Leaders to Reject Manchin’s Dirty Pipeline Deal
WASHINGTON— More than 650 climate, environmental justice, public health, youth, and progressive organizations sent a letter to congressional leadership today to oppose the fossil fuel expansion deal proposed by West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin to Democratic leadership in exchange for his support of the Inflation Reduction Act.
Read more.Federal Protection Sought for Rare Salamander in Coal Country
CHARLESTON, W.Va.— The Center for Biological Diversity and 10 partner organizations petitioned the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today to protect the yellow-spotted woodland salamander under the Endangered Species Act. Only a few hundred of these salamanders likely remain.
Read more.Biden’s ‘Sustainable Aviation Fuel’ Goals Mired in Myth: Report
WASHINGTON— Sustainability and supply issues will make it impossible to reach the Biden administration’s goal to meet 100% of U.S. jet fuel demand with aviation biofuels by 2050, according to a new report by the Center for Biological Diversity.
Read more.Federal Safeguards Urged For Colorado Wolves in 2023 Reintroduction
DENVER— The Center for Biological Diversity has urged the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to limit the killing of wolves that will be reintroduced in Colorado in 2023. The federal protections — requested in a Center letter sent this week — would override a Colorado Parks and Wildlife plan, which could allow for the widespread killing of wolves.
Read more.Lawsuit Launched Seeking National Gray Wolf Recovery Plan
WASHINGTON— The Center for Biological Diversity notified the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today that it intends to sue over the agency’s failure to develop a national wolf recovery plan as required by the Endangered Species Act. The planned lawsuit would seek to require the Service to draft a recovery plan that includes all populations of wolves in the contiguous United States.
Read more.Nevada Legislative Committee Advances Bill Request for Managing Butterflies, Other Invertebrates
CARSON CITY, Nev.— The Nevada Legislative Joint Interim Standing Committee on Natural Resources today advanced a recommendation for a bill draft request to give the Nevada Department of Wildlife authority to manage and protect terrestrial invertebrates, including monarch butterflies and bees.
Read more.Rare Nevada Fish Advances Toward Endangered Species Protection
RENO, Nev.— In response to a Center for Biological Diversity petition, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced today that the Fish Lake Valley tui chub may qualify for protection under the Endangered Species Act. The Service has one year to complete a full status review and decide whether to protect the fish.
Read more.Cancer-Linked Pesticide 1,3-D Moves Closer to Reapproval
WASHINGTON— The Environmental Protection Agency proposed today to reapprove the cancer-linked fumigant 1,3-Dichloropropene with a less-protective classification that will increase exposure levels considered to be safe by 90-fold.
Read more.State Votes to Protect Imperiled Wildflower Threatened by California Gold Mining
LOS ANGELES— The California Fish and Game Commission agreed today to temporarily protect Inyo rock daisies under the California Endangered Species Act while the state studies whether to safeguard them permanently.
Read more.Magnificent News for Endangered North Carolina Snail
WILMINGTON, N.C.— In response to a petition and lawsuit from the Center for Biological Diversity, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today proposed protecting North Carolina’s magnificent ramshorn snail as endangered under the Endangered Species Act. The agency also designated two ponds in the Cape Fear River watershed as critical habitat for the snail.
Read more.UN Urged to Protect Pantanal As Fires Threaten World Heritage Site
PARIS— The Center for Biological Diversity petitioned today for “in danger” status for the Pantanal World Heritage site in Brazil, which has been ravaged by severe, human-caused fires in recent years. As this year’s fire season escalates, fire outbreaks are jeopardizing the Pantanal — the world’s largest tropical wetland — and its imperiled wildlife.
Read more.Agencies Warned for Failing to Protect Endangered Species From South Florida Water Park Development
MIAMI— Conservation groups notified the National Park Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today that they intend to sue the agencies for failing to protect the federally endangered Florida bonneted bat, Miami tiger beetle, Bartram’s scrub-hairstreak and other imperiled species from the destructive effects of the Miami Wilds water park and retail development in south Florida.
Read more.Una demanda impugna proyecto de ampliación para el envío de gas natural licuado a Puerto Rico
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico— Grupos ambientales y comunitarios presentaron hoy una demanda en el tribunal federal de distrito contra el Cuerpo de Ingenieros del Ejército de los Estados Unidos por sus planes de ampliar el canal de navegación de la Bahía de San Juan para buques de gran tamaño. Esta ampliación del puerto implica el dragado y la disposición de más de dos millones de yardas cúbicas de sedimentos para profundizar y ampliar los canales de navegación, lo que causaría graves daños ambientales.
Read more.Lawsuit Challenges Project Expanding Liquified Natural Gas Shipping to Puerto Rico
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico— Conservation and climate groups filed a lawsuit in federal district court today against the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers over its plans to expand the San Juan Bay shipping channel for massive vessels. This port expansion involves the dredging and disposal of more than two million cubic yards of sediment to deepen and widen shipping channels.
Read more.Lawsuit Launched to Protect Habitat for Tennessee’s Endangered Barrens Topminnow
MANCHESTER, Tenn.— The Center for Biological Diversity filed a formal notice today of its intent to sue the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service over the agency’s failure to designate critical habitat for the highly endangered Barrens topminnow, found in only a handful of streams on the Barrens Plateau in middle Tennessee.
Read more.Legal Agreement to Permanently Close Oil Wells, Restore Habitat in California’s Carrizo Plain National Monument
SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY, Calif.― Conservation groups today announced a legal agreement securing the permanent closure and restoration of 11 long-dormant oil wells inside the Carrizo Plain National Monument, a unique landscape in central California famous for its vibrant springtime wildflower displays and rare wildlife.
Read more.Climate Bill Heads to Biden for Signature, Forecasts Fall Fossil Fuel Fight
WASHINGTON— The House of Representatives passed the Democrats’ climate and healthcare spending bill today, sending the biggest-ever U.S. government climate investment package to the president for his signature.
Read more.Judge Reinstates Obama-Era Coal Leasing Moratorium on Federal Lands
GREAT FALLS, Mont.— A federal judge in Montana District Court ruled today to reinstate a moratorium on new coal leasing on public lands, halting all coal leasing on federal lands until the Bureau of Land Management completes a more sufficient environmental analysis.
Read more.Legal Agreement Blocks Oil, Gas Leasing on 2.2 Million Acres in Colorado
DENVER— Conservation groups and the U.S. Bureau of Land Management have finalized a legal agreement that will prevent new oil and gas leasing across 2.2 million acres of southwestern Colorado until the agency supplements its environmental analysis and releases an amended plan for lands in the area.
Read more.Report: Southern California’s Signature River Under Threat
LOS ANGELES— A new report published today called on decision-makers in Ventura and Los Angeles counties to apply sustainable water-management practices to the Santa Clara River, known as Utom to the Chumash people.
Read more.Lawsuit Seeks Protected Habitat for 49 Endangered Hawaiian Species
HONOLULU— The Center for Biological Diversity sued the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today for failing to protect critical habitat for 49 endangered Hawaiian Islands species.
Read more.Florida Petitioned to Protect Manatees by Improving Boater Safety
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.— Conservation organizations petitioned the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission today to amend its boater-safety course to protect the state’s imperiled manatees, other marine mammals, sea turtles and coastal birds. Watercraft collisions killed at least 1,153 Florida manatees from 2010 to 2021, according to state officials.
Read more.Lawsuit Launched to Protect Lesser Prairie Chicken From Extinction
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.— The Center for Biological Diversity notified the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today that it would sue the agency for failing to protect lesser prairie chickens under the Endangered Species Act if it did not do so within 60 days.
Read more.Federal Officials Commit to Feral Cow Removal Throughout San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area in Arizona
TUCSON, Ariz.— The Center for Biological Diversity and Maricopa Audubon Society have reached a legal agreement with the U.S. Bureau of Land Management guaranteeing that the agency will remove all trespass cows from the entire San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area. The BLM has also agreed to inspect, repair and maintain the conservation area’s boundary fencing to keep the trespass cows out.
Read more.Pressure Mounts on Agriculture Secretary to Reject Hazardous Utah Oil Trains
SALT LAKE CITY— More than 100 environmental, climate and frontline Gulf Coast groups, representing millions of supporters across the country, today urged Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack to stop the Uinta Basin Railway. The proposed railway would create 53 million tons of new carbon pollution every year by opening Utah’s remote Uinta Basin to more oil extraction.
Read more.New Report Outlines Blueprint for Rewilding American West
SAN FRANCISCO— A first-of-its-kind analysis by 20 leading scientists has identified a network of 11 federally owned reserves where wolves and beavers could be restored across the western United States. Restoring these keystone species could also improve degraded habitat relied on by 92 threatened and endangered species, including the Gunnison sage-grouse and the New Mexico meadow jumping mouse.
Read more.Lawsuit Launched Seeking EPA Pollution Limits for Arizona Creek Threatened by Copper Mine
SUPERIOR, Ariz.— Conservation groups filed a formal notice of intent to sue the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today in response to the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality’s decades-long failure to limit pollution in Queen Creek.
Read more.Lawsuit Seeks to Restore Federal Protection to Northern Rockies Wolves After Government Misses Deadline
VICTOR, Idaho— Wildlife conservation organizations sued the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today for missing its deadline to decide whether gray wolves in the northern Rocky Mountains warrant federal protection under the Endangered Species Act.
Read more.Endangered Species Protections Sought for Rare Nevada Butterfly
RENO, Nev.— The Center for Biological Diversity petitioned the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today to grant Endangered Species Act protection to an extremely rare butterfly called the bleached sandhill skipper.
Read more.U.S. to Finally Decide Protection for Foreign Birds, Butterflies
WASHINGTON— In a legal agreement finalized today, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service agreed to finally decide whether seven foreign wildlife species should be granted U.S. Endangered Species Act protections.
Read more.Lawsuit Challenges Washington’s Failure to Enact Wolf Management Rules
OLYMPIA, Wash.— Five conservation groups filed a lawsuit today asking a state court to enforce Gov. Jay Inslee’s order directing state wildlife officials to enact wolf management rules. The rules should have outlined what steps must be taken before wolves can be killed for conflict with livestock.
Read more.‘Emergency’ Loophole Used to OK Highly Toxic Pesticide for 10th Straight Year
WASHINGTON— The Environmental Protection Agency reported this week that it issued so-called “emergency” approvals to spray various neonicotinoids and pyrethroids — insecticides the agency itself recognizes as “very highly toxic” to bees and aquatic insects — on more than 370,000 acres of crops across the U.S.
Read more.Viva El Jefe! Arizona’s Famous Jaguar Lives, But What’s His Future?
TUCSON, Ariz.— News that the beloved jaguar El Jefe has been spotted alive and well in Sonora, Mexico, is tempered by concerns that his potential pathway back to the United States could be blocked by the border wall and his last known territory in Arizona’s Santa Rita Mountains is threatened by the construction of a copper mine.
Read more.Petition Seeks to Withhold Federal Funding From Montana, Idaho Over Wolf-Killing Legislation
BOZEMAN, Mont.— A petition filed today by 27 conservation groups calls on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to disqualify Montana and Idaho from receiving millions of dollars in federal conservation funds because of the aggressive anti-wolf legislation the states enacted in 2021.
Read more.Federal Court Cites Human Health, Climate Costs in Rejecting Massive Wyoming, Montana Coal Mining Plan
GREAT FALLS, Mont.— A federal judge late Wednesday struck down two U.S. Bureau of Land Management resource management plans that failed to address the public health consequences of allowing massive amounts of coal, oil and gas production from public lands and minerals in the Powder River Basin, including approximately 6 billion tons of low-grade, highly polluting coal over 20 years.
Read more.Pups Confirmed in Two California Wolf Packs
SAN FRANCISCO— Two of California’s three existing wolf families, the Lassen pack and the Whaleback pack, have again produced pups this year, according to a quarterly report published late Tuesday by the California Department of Fish and Game.
Read more.Legal Agreements Block Drilling, Fracking Across 1 Million Acres in Central California
BAKERSFIELD, Calif.— Community and conservation groups and the U.S. Bureau of Land Management reached an agreement today to suspend new oil and gas leasing across more than 1 million acres of public lands in California’s Central Valley and Central Coast.
Read more.Legal Agreement Halts Construction at Nevada Geothermal Project to Weigh Harm to Rare Toad
RENO, Nev.— The Center for Biological Diversity and geothermal developer Ormat reached a legal agreement today to halt construction of the Dixie Meadows Geothermal Project until the risks to the endangered Dixie Valley toad can be fully evaluated. The Center’s co-plaintiffs, the Fallon Paiute-Shoshone Tribe, and the Department of the Interior were also parties to the agreement.
Read more.Center for Biological Diversity Names Elise Bennett Florida Director
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.— The Center for Biological Diversity announced today that Elise Bennett has been promoted to the position of Florida director.
Read more.Federal Proposal Aims to Protect Endangered Right Whales From Ship Strikes
WASHINGTON— The National Marine Fisheries Service proposed a rule today to better protect critically endangered North Atlantic right whales from being run over and killed by vessels in U.S. waters.
Read more.Hundreds of Climate, Community Groups Tell Biden, Congress: No Fossil Fuel Expansion in Reconciliation Bill
WASHINGTON— More than 350 conservation and community groups, representing millions of people, called on President Biden and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer today to reject fossil fuel expansion during negotiations over a reconciliation package.
Read more.States Push National Greenhouse Gas Pollution Cap
WASHINGTON— Seven states and the territory of Guam called on President Biden and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today to set a nationwide greenhouse gas pollution cap under the Clean Air Act.
Read more.Manchin Poison Pills Buried in Inflation Reduction Act Will Destroy Livable Climate
WASHINGTON— A proposed climate and energy package would require massive oil and gas leasing in the Gulf of Mexico and Alaska, reinstate an illegal 2021 Gulf lease sale and mandate that millions more acres of public lands be offered for leasing before any new solar or wind energy projects could be built on public lands or waters.
Read more.Endangered Species Act Protection Sought for Southern Plains Bumblebee
WASHINGTON— The Center for Biological Diversity petitioned the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today to grant Endangered Species Act protection to the highly imperiled Southern Plains bumblebee.
Read more.Tribunal de Colorado accede a considerar un desafío legal ante la falta del estado de proteger las vías fluviales y la vida silvestre de la contaminación de las granjas industriales
DENVER— La Oficina de Tribunales Administrativos de Colorado accedió a considerar un desafío legal por parte del Centro para la Diversidad Biológica y Food & Water Watch a un permiso estatal general de contaminación del agua para las Operaciones Concentradas de Alimentación Animal.
Read more.Colorado Court Agrees to Hear Legal Challenge to State’s Failure to Protect Waterways, Wildlife From Factory Farm Pollution
DENVER— The Colorado Office of Administrative Courts has agreed to hear a challenge by the Center for Biological Diversity and Food & Water Watch to a statewide general water-pollution permit for concentrated animal feeding operations.
Read more.Lawsuit Aims to Protect Western Colorado’s Air From Arch Coal’s West Elk Mine
GUNNISON, Colo.— Conservation groups sued Colorado Gov. Jared Polis’s administration today over its failure to ensure the West Elk coal mine in western Colorado complies with state and federal clean-air laws.
Read more.Asheville Rally Aims to Protect Country’s Most Popular National Forest
ASHEVILLE, N.C.— At a pivotal moment, the Center for Biological Diversity is organizing a rally on Monday, Aug.1, to protect the Pisgah-Nantahala National Forest from logging. The Pisgah is the country’s most-visited national forest.
Read more.DNA Test Confirms Another Wolf Killed in New York
ALBANY, N.Y.— A recent DNA analysis of an 85-pound canid shot by a hunter in central New York in December shows that the animal was a gray wolf. According to the Maine Wolf Coalition, at least 10 other wolves have been killed south of the St. Lawrence River, once thought to be too great a barrier for wolves to cross.
Read more.New Wolf Pack Confirmed in Western Oregon
PORTLAND, Ore.— The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife reported today that a new wolf pack has established itself in the Upper Deschutes wildlife management unit in Klamath and Deschutes counties. Not yet named, the wolf family gave birth to at least five pups this year, which were photographed on July 4 by a department trail camera.
Read more.Biden Stops Short of Declaring National Climate Emergency
WASHINGTON— President Biden announced a series of executive actions targeting the climate crisis today, and while he described the crisis as “an emergency,” he stopped short of the national climate emergency declaration called for by the Center for Biological Diversity and more than 1,200 other groups.
Read more.Sens. Manchin, Daines Attack Climate Protections for Endangered Species
WASHINGTON— The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee will consider and mark up a number of bills on Thursday, including S. 2561, which would alter the requirements for the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management regarding when they must update their land-management plans to protect endangered species.
Read more.Lawsuit Seeks Energy Department Documents on Overdue Grid Study
WASHINGTON— The Center for Biological Diversity sued the U.S. Department of Energy today for failing to release public records about the agency’s long-overdue study on energy transmission bottlenecks across the country.
Read more.Lawsuit Challenges EPA’s Damaging Renewable Fuels Standard
WASHINGTON— The Center for Biological Diversity filed a lawsuit in the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals today challenging the Environmental Protection Agency’s fuel volume requirements for corn ethanol and other biofuels for 2020, 2021 and 2022. Earlier this month the EPA set the 2022 required minimum volume for transportation sector use at roughly 15 billion gallons of corn ethanol and 5.63 billion gallons of advanced biofuels.
Read more.Biden Administration Repeals Second Trump Rule Limiting Habitat Protections for Imperiled Species
WASHINGTON— The Biden administration today repealed a second Trump-era regulation that significantly weakened habitat protections for threatened and endangered species.
Read more.Marin County Adopts Long-Overdue Protections for Endangered Coho Salmon
MARIN COUNTY, Calif.— The Marin County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a conservation ordinance on Tuesday that would protect coho salmon habitat and end a 15-year legal battle over California’s most important watershed for the endangered species.
Read more.EPA Finds New Insecticide Is Putting Over 100 Species in Jeopardy of Extinction
WASHINGTON— The Environmental Protection Agency released a draft biological evaluation today showing that the bee-killing insecticide sulfoxaflor is potentially putting 24 species of insects in jeopardy of extinction, including Karner blue butterflies and American burying beetles.
Read more.Biden Administration Rejects Legal Petition to Phase Out Use of Toxic Agricultural Pesticides on National Wildlife Refuges
WASHINGTON— The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today denied requests by conservationists and members of Congress to phase out the use of agricultural pesticides on national wildlife refuges.
Read more.Legal Victory: Court Orders New Endangered Species Review for Toxic Fungicide
SAN FRANCISCO— In a major win for conservationists and wildlife, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit ordered the Environmental Protection Agency today to review the potential harm a toxic new fungicide poses to endangered species by June 2023.
Read more.Conservationists, Wildlife Advocates Propose Colorado Wolf Restoration Plan
DENVER— A group of 14 conservation and wildlife organizations, led by WildEarth Guardians, today put forward their “Colorado Wolf Restoration Plan” as a science-based proposal to guide wolf reintroduction and recovery in Colorado following the passage of Proposition 114 in 2020. The plan focuses on bringing about the immensely positive ecological, economic, and social opportunities for Coloradans and the Colorado landscapes that have been missing wolves for so long by ensuring a self-sustaining, robust population of wolves throughout the Western Slope.
Read more.Biden’s Top Five Climate Executive Actions
WASHINGTON— With climate provisions stripped from Democrats’ economic package by Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), President Biden’s executive powers are front and center in protecting U.S. international commitments and preserving a livable planet.
Read more.LA County Sued Over Faulty Environmental Review Process for Los Angeles River Master Plan
LOS ANGELES— Conservation groups LA Waterkeeper and the Center for Biological Diversity filed a lawsuit Wednesday against Los Angeles County over the recently updated LA River Master Plan, adopted on June 14, which is intended to guide development along the Los Angeles River for the next 25 years.
Read more.Victory for Nevada Lands, Wildlife: House Committee Rebuffs Proposed Military Land Grab
RENO, Nev.— Late on Tuesday the House Rules Committee declined to advance an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act from Rep. Mark Amodei (R-Nev.) that would have transferred hundreds of thousands of acres of public land to the military and private developers.
Read more.Congress Urged to Boost Appropriations for Biden’s Clean Energy Orders
WASHINGTON— Dozens of environmental and labor groups urged House and Senate leaders to increase funding for President Biden’s historic executive orders to spur domestic renewable energy production under the Defense Production Act.
Read more.Federal Appeals Court Reinstates Right Whales’ Seasonal Protection
BOSTON— In a victory for critically endangered North Atlantic right whales, the 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals today reinstated a seasonal prohibition on lobster fishing using vertical lines in federal waters off the Maine coast.
Read more.Lawsuit Challenges Fish and Wildlife Service’s Inadequate Mexican Gray Wolf Recovery Efforts
TUCSON, Ariz.— Conservation groups filed a lawsuit today in U.S. District Court challenging a new U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service management rule that fails to provide for the recovery of the Mexican gray wolf, among the most endangered mammals in the United States.
Read more.Lawsuit Launched Over EPA’s Authorization for Limitless Smog From Fracking in Denver, North Front Range Areas
DENVER— The Center for Biological Diversity sued the Environmental Protection Agency today to force it to require Colorado to limit pollution from drilling and hydraulic fracturing for oil and methane gas in the Metro Denver area and the Denver Julesburg basin.
Read more.Report: Federal Logging Projects Put 10 Climate-Saving Forests on Chopping Block
PORTLAND, Ore.— Federal agencies are targeting mature and old-growth forests for logging, according to a new report, despite these trees’ extraordinary ability to curb climate change and President Biden’s directive to preserve them.
Read more.Lawsuit Launched to Fight EPA’s Delay in Reducing Harmful Soot Air Pollution
OAKLAND, Calif.— Environmental and public-health groups filed notice today of their intent to sue the Environmental Protection Agency for failing to ensure that effective plans are in place to reduce dangerous soot air pollution in Los Angeles and Imperial County, California.
Read more.World’s Most Endangered Whales Move Closer to Expanded Habitat Protections off Alaskan Coast
ANCHORAGE, Alaska— NOAA Fisheries announced today that expanding critical habitat protections in Alaska for North Pacific right whales — the most endangered whale population in the world — may be warranted.
Read more.Court Victory: Federal Failure to Protect Right Whales from Deadly Entanglements Violates Law
WASHINGTON— A federal court ruled in favor of the Center for Biological Diversity, Conservation Law Foundation, and Defenders of Wildlife in a long-running case challenging NOAA Fisheries’ failure to protect critically endangered North Atlantic right whales from deadly entanglements in American lobster fishing gear.
Read more.Appeal Challenges Federal Plan Authorizing Killing of 72 Grizzlies Near Yellowstone
PINEDALE, Wyo.— The Center for Biological Diversity and Sierra Club filed an appeal today challenging a federal plan authorizing the killing of up to 72 grizzly bears to accommodate livestock grazing in Wyoming’s Bridger-Teton National Forest, near Yellowstone National Park.
Read more.Biden Administration Paves Way for Railway That Will Quadruple Oil Production in Utah’s Uinta Basin
SALT LAKE CITY— The U.S. Forest Service has rejected challenges to the Uinta Basin Railway, saying the project is in the public interest even as it predicts the oil railway could increase climate pollution in the U.S. by nearly 1%.
Read more.Biden Administration Moves to Curb Single-Use Plastic in Federal Purchasing
WASHINGTON— In response to a legal petition from the Center for Biological Diversity and 180 other community and conservation groups, the U.S. government announced today that it will evaluate ways to reduce its purchases of unnecessary single-use plastic.
Read more.Lawsuit Aims to Protect Critical Habitat for Endangered Florida Bonneted Bats
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.— Conservation groups sued the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today to push the agency to protect endangered Florida bonneted bats by designating lifesaving critical habitat. The bats face devastating habitat loss from sea-level rise and urban sprawl.
Read more.Supreme Court Leaves Open Powerful Climate Pathway for Biden, EPA
WASHINGTON— The Supreme Court’s 6-3 decision last week curtailing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s ability to regulate power plant pollution left untouched one of the strongest tools to reduce greenhouse gas pollution under the Clean Air Act — a nationwide greenhouse gas pollution cap.
Read more.Federal Court Restores Critical Endangered Species Act Protections
WASHINGTON— In a win for wildlife protection and conservation, a federal district court today restored comprehensive Endangered Species Act regulatory protections to hundreds of species and the places they call home.
Read more.Lawsuit Launched to Fight EPA’s Delay in Smog Reduction in San Diego, Placer County, Ventura County, Colorado, North Dakota, Pennsylvania
OAKLAND, Calif.— The Center for Biological Diversity and Center for Environmental Health filed a notice today of their intent to sue the Environmental Protection Agency for failing to ensure that effective smog-reduction plans are in place in four states.
Read more.Alabama Mussel Gains Endangered Species Protection, 36 River Miles of Protected Habitat
BIRMINGHAM, Ala.— In response to a decade-long campaign by the Center for Biological Diversity and allies, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service protected the Canoe Creek clubshell today under the Endangered Species Act. The agency also protected 36 river miles of the Alabama mussel’s critical habitat in St. Clair and Etowah counties.
Read more.Legal Warning Challenges Plan to Log Thousands of Acres of Oregon’s Old-Growth Forest Reserves
MEDFORD, Ore.— A coalition of Oregon conservation organizations notified the Bureau of Land Management today it intends to sue the agency to protect marbled murrelets and coastal martens from a plan by the agency to log thousands of acres of old-growth forest in areas designated as late-successional reserves. The reserves were designated as part of the Northwest Forest Plan to protect the two threatened species, as well as hundreds of others.
Read more.Gulf of Mexico, Alaska Targeted for Offshore Oil, Gas Leasing in Biden Plan
WASHINGTON— President Biden’s Interior Department proposed today to conduct up to 11 lease sales of offshore waters to oil and gas companies for drilling and fracking. The draft proposal could offer 10 lease sales in the Gulf of Mexico and potentially one in Cook Inlet, Alaska. All sales would take place between 2023 and 2028.
Read more.Mexican Gray Wolf Rule Finalized to Eliminate Population Cap
SILVER CITY, N.M.— Meeting a July 1 court-ordered deadline in litigation brought by conservationists, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today finalized a rule that ends its 2015 regulatory commitment to remove from the wild all endangered Mexican gray wolves above a population cap of 325.
Read more.Lawsuit Seeks to Protect Crucial Grizzly Habitat in Montana’s Oldest Forests
MISSOULA, Mont.— Conservation groups sued the U.S. Forest Service today to challenge its approval of a massive logging project that would clearcut thousands of acres and log mature and old-growth forest in the Kootenai National Forest in northwestern Montana.
Read more.Fisheries Service Finalizes Protections Against Three Pesticides Harming Salmon, Orcas
WASHINGTON— The National Marine Fisheries Service released a final biological opinion today establishing critical protections for salmon and Puget Sound orcas from exposure to three widely used insecticides — chlorpyrifos, diazinon and malathion.
Read more.Lawsuit Aims to Protect Critical Habitat for Eastern Black Rail
WASHINGTON— The Center for Biological Diversity and Healthy Gulf sued the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today for failing to designate critical habitat for the eastern black rail. The rail needs healthy and intact wetland habitat to survive.
Read more.Supreme Court Limits Climate Action Under Clean Air Act
WASHINGTON— The Supreme Court today limited the Environmental Protection Agency’s ability to regulate power plant emissions under the Clean Air Act. The decision in West Virginia v. EPA is a blow to efforts to reduce greenhouse gas pollution from coal and gas fired power plants. It spotlights the need for the Biden administration to use its broad range of executive powers to combat the climate emergency.
Read more.EPA Urged to Reject Carbon Capture Projects in Central California
BAKERSFIELD, Calif.— Citing threats to the environment and public health, more than 80 environmental justice and conservation groups urged the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today to stop an influx of carbon capture, use and storage, or CCUS, project applications in California’s Central Valley.
Read more.Lawsuit Challenges Biden’s Resumption of Oil, Gas Leasing on Public Lands
WASHINGTON— Climate and conservation groups filed a lawsuit late Tuesday challenging the Biden administration’s resumption of oil and gas leasing on public lands today — the first auctions since the president paused leasing shortly after taking office.
Read more.Rural New Mexico County Votes to Stop Funding Federal Wildlife-Killing
SILVER CITY, N.M.— Grant County commissioners voted 2-1 against renewing a contract with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Wildlife Services program last Thursday because the federal agency, which kills carnivores on behalf of the livestock industry, ignored requirements within its last contract.
Read more.Court Halts Logging of Elliott State Forest Tract Sold to Private Timber Company
EUGENE, Ore.— A U.S. District Court judge issued a ruling today preventing Scott Timber from clearcutting old-growth forest that was previously part of the Elliott State Forest. The court found that the proposed logging of the Benson Ridge parcel by the subsidiary of Roseburg Forest Products would harm and harass threatened marbled murrelets, in violation of the federal Endangered Species Act. The court’s ruling permanently enjoins logging of the occupied murrelet habitat.
Read more.Lawsuit Launched Over Federal Failure to Protect Shortfin Mako Shark
WASHINGTON— Defenders of Wildlife and the Center for Biological Diversity sent a notice today of their intent to sue the National Marine Fisheries Service for failing to protect the shortfin mako shark under the Endangered Species Act.
Read more.Demandan por la falta de protección federal del tiburón mako de aleta corta como especie amenazada o en peligro de extinción
WASHINGTON— Defenders of Wildlife y el Centro para la Diversidad Biológica enviaron hoy una notificación sobre su intención de demandar a NOAA Fisheries por no haber resuelto en torno a la protección del tiburón mako de aleta corta bajo la Ley de Especies en Peligro (ESA, por sus siglas en inglés). La ley exige que NOAA Fisheries determine si se justifica la inclusión del tiburón mako de aleta corta en la ESA a más tardar 12 meses después de recibir una petición de inclusión en la que haya llegado a un “dictamen positivo de los 90 días”.
Read more.Center for Biological Diversity Statement on Supreme Court’s Decision to Overturn Roe v. Wade
Statement from Kierán Suckling, executive director, Center for Biological Diversity:
Read more.New Vilsack Guidance to Forest Service Falls Short of Protecting Old, Mature Forests
WASHINGTON— Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack signed a memorandum today clarifying the U.S. Forest Service’s direction on climate policy. The memo follows a recent White House executive order highlighting the importance of conserving mature and old-growth forests on federal lands as a climate solution.
Read more.Lawsuit Seeks Endangered Species Protections for Colorful Arizona Snake
TUCSON, Ariz.— The Center for Biological Diversity sued the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today for denying Endangered Species Act protections to the Tucson shovel-nosed snake for a second time. The snakes live only in a small area of southern Arizona.
Read more.Biden Administration Rescinds Trump Rule Limiting Habitat Protections for Endangered Species
WASHINGTON— The Biden administration finalized a rule today rescinding a Trump-era regulation that severely limited the government’s ability to protect habitat that imperiled animals and plants like wolverines and golden-winged warblers need to survive and recover.
Read more.Imperiled Southeast Flower Proposed for Endangered Species Protection
ATLANTA— The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposed today to protect the Ocmulgee skullcap as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. Only 19 populations of this rare flower remain in Georgia and South Carolina, with many of these having fewer than 20 individual plants.
Read more.House Democrats Provide Long-Overdue Funding for Endangered Species Act
WASHINGTON— The House Appropriations Committee will vote on a funding bill today for the U.S. Department of the Interior that would provide $355 million for endangered species conservation — an increase of $77 million above last year’s budget.
Read more.Oregon Commission Votes to Better Protect Wildlife From Trapping
PORTLAND, Ore.— The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission adopted new rules today that reduce some of the state’s trap check times, making it less likely that animals will suffer for extended periods of time and more likely that non-target wildlife can be safely released.
Read more.California Commission Deadlocks on Protecting Western Joshua Trees as Threatened Species
LOS ANGELES— The California Fish and Game Commission deadlocked today on whether to give western Joshua trees permanent protection under the state’s Endangered Species Act, delaying a final decision until at least October.
Read more.EPA Confirms Three Widely Used Neonicotinoid Pesticides Likely Harm Vast Majority of Endangered Plants, Animals
WASHINGTON— The Environmental Protection Agency released final biological evaluations today confirming that three widely used neonicotinoid insecticides likely harm roughly three-fourths of all endangered plants and animals, including all 39 species of amphibians protected under the Endangered Species Act.
Read more.Report: TVA’s New Board Members Can Fast-Track Transition to 100% Renewable, Just Energy Future
WASHINGTON— The Tennessee Valley Authority’s new board members will have the legal authority to transform the nation’s largest public power provider from a fossil-fuel utility to a renewable energy pioneer, according to a report released today by the Center for Biological Diversity.
Read more.Agencies Warned for Ignoring Florida Nuclear Plant’s Harm to American Crocodiles
MIAMI— The Center for Biological Diversity warned the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service that they’re violating the Endangered Species Act by failing to lawfully consult over the Turkey Point Nuclear Plant’s current harm to imperiled American crocodiles and their habitat. The violations relate to the federal approval of a 20-year operational extension for nuclear units 3 and 4 at Turkey Point.
Read more.Petition Aims to Protect Great Hammerhead Sharks Under Endangered Species Act
WASHINGTON— The Center for Biological Diversity submitted a petition today urging the National Marine Fisheries Service to protect the great hammerhead shark under the Endangered Species Act.
Read more.100 Groups Urge Global Leaders to Stop Extinction
WASHINGTON— More than 100 organizations from five continents today urged negotiators headed to a world biodiversity meeting to commit to stopping human-caused extinctions of species. The groups’ letter comes as negotiations over the global framework to combat biodiversity loss are set to resume June 21 in Nairobi, Kenya.
Read more.Virgin Islands Flower Finally Gets Endangered Species Protections After 47 Years
BOQUERÓN, Puerto Rico— The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today protected the marrón bacora as endangered under the Endangered Species Act and designated 2,548 acres as critical habitat. Marrón bacora is a 10-foot-tall flowering shrub that has been reduced to just seven fragmented populations on St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands, and one population on Tortola, British Virgin Islands.
Read more.Temblor Legless Lizard Wins California Endangered Species Act Protections
LOS ANGELES— In response to a petition from the Center for Biological Diversity, the California Fish and Game Commission unanimously agreed today to protect the Temblor legless lizard under the state’s Endangered Species Act. The move grants legal protection to the rare lizards for at least a year.
Read more.Lawsuit Launched to Protect Habitat for 12 Endangered Coral Species
WASHINGTON— The Center for Biological Diversity today filed a notice of intent to sue the National Marine Fisheries Service for failing to finalize protections for 12 coral species around Florida and islands in the Pacific Ocean. The corals all received Endangered Species Act listings in 2014 but not the critical habitat designation the law requires.
Read more.Lawsuit Challenges Biden-Approved Oil Drilling Permits for Failing to Protect Climate-Imperiled Wildlife, Public Lands
WASHINGTON— Environmental organizations sued the Bureau of Land Management today for issuing more than 3,500 oil and gas drilling permits in New Mexico and Wyoming during the first 16 months of the Biden administration in violation of the Endangered Species Act, the National Environmental Policy Act, and the Federal Land Policy and Management Act. The lawsuit was filed in the federal District Court of Washington, D.C.
Read more.House Passes Historic Legislation Securing Billions for Imperiled Wildlife
WASHINGTON— The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act, H.R. 2773, by a 231 to 190 vote today. If approved by the Senate, the legislation will provide unprecedented levels of funding to states, Tribal Nations and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to conserve and recover imperiled wildlife and plant species, including those listed under the Endangered Species Act.
Read more.9th Circuit Court to Hear Arguments Wednesday Challenging Geothermal Plant Endangering Sacred Site, Rare Toad
SAN FRANCISCO— Attorneys for conservation advocates and the Fallon Paiute-Shoshone Tribe will present oral arguments Wednesday to the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco challenging the government’s approval of a geothermal power plant. The plant threatens to destroy a Nevada sacred site and drive the rare Dixie Valley toad to extinction.
Read more.Commission Votes Wednesday on Protecting California’s Joshua Trees as Threatened Species
LOS ANGELES― The California Fish and Game Commission will vote Wednesday on whether to permanently protect western Joshua trees under the state’s Endangered Species Act.
Read more.Delayed Protection Imperils Oregon Beetle, Virgin Islands Plant, Two Southeast Mussels
SALEM, Ore.— The Center for Biological Diversity sued the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today for failing to determine if the Siuslaw hairy-necked tiger beetle warrants Endangered Species Act protection, and for failing to finalize protection for three other species, a plant called the marrón bacora and the longsolid and Canoe Creek clubshell mussels.
Read more.Lawmakers, Organizations Warn Biden Against Rushed Pipeline Restart Off California Coast
LONG BEACH, Calif.— A coalition of groups today joined eight Southern California members of Congress in urging the Biden administration not to issue fast-track authorization for the repair and restart of Amplify Energy’s offshore oil pipeline, which ruptured off the California coast in October.
Read more.El Cuerpo de Ingenieros Enfrentará Demanda por Proyecto de Transporte de GNL en Puerto Rico por Impactos a la Vida Silvestre y a las Comunidades
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico— El Cuerpo de Ingenieros del Ejército recibió hoy una notificación advirtiendo que su proyecto de dragado para ampliar el canal de navegación de la Bahía de San Juan viola la Ley de Especies en Peligro de Extinción. El proyecto permitiría el paso de mega buques que transporten gas natural licuado (GNL).
Read more.SpaceX’s Texas Site Needs Full Environmental Review, Conservationists Say
BROWNSVILLE, Texas— The Federal Aviation Administration today declined to conduct a full environmental review of the proposed expansion of SpaceX’s launch site at Boca Chica, Texas, despite calls from conservation organizations to take a closer look at the environmental impacts of the rocket launches.
Read more.Congress to Hold Wednesday Hearing on Seresto Flea Collars Linked to Deaths of Over 2,500 Pets
WASHINGTON— The House Oversight Subcommittee on Economic and Consumer Policy will hold a hearing on Wednesday to investigate the Seresto flea collar, which has been linked to thousands of pet deaths.
Read more.Army Corps to Face Lawsuit for Puerto Rico LNG Shipping Project’s Threats to Wildlife, Communities
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico— The Army Corps of Engineers received a notice letter today warning that its dredging project to expand the San Juan Bay shipping channel violates the Endangered Species Act. The project would permit the passage of mega vessels carrying liquified natural gas, or LNG.
Read more.Endangered Species Protection Sought for North Carolina’s Hickory Nut Gorge Green Salamanders
BAT CAVE, N.C.— Conservation groups petitioned the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today to protect Hickory Nut Gorge green salamanders under the Endangered Species Act.
Read more.Mobile Billboard Calls Out Biden’s Broken Climate Promises During Santa Fe Visit
SANTA FE, N.M.— Friends of the Earth, the Center for Biological Diversity and WildEarth Guardians will display a mobile billboard Saturday during President Biden’s visit to Santa Fe, criticizing the administration for its broken promises to end oil and gas leasing on public lands and waters. Biden will receive an update on the historic wildfires that have burned nearly 500 square miles of New Mexico.
Read more.Rare Southwest Wildflower Protected Under Endangered Species Act
TUCSON, Ariz.— In response to a petition from the Center for Biological Diversity and Maricopa Audubon Society, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today protected the Arizona eryngo under the Endangered Species Act. Only four populations of the critically imperiled wetland plant survive in Arizona and Mexico.
Read more.Conservationists Urge Halt to Mexico’s Maya Train Project, Call For Sanctions
MEXICO CITY— Conservation groups filed comments today with Semarnat, Mexico’s environmental ministry, identifying a large number of omissions and inaccuracies in a government assessment of the environmental impacts of the section five south of the Maya train project.
Read more.Lawsuits Challenge Two Massive Bay Area Biofuel Refinery Projects
OAKLAND, Calif.— Communities for a Better Environment and the Center for Biological Diversity sued Contra Costa County on Tuesday over its rushed approval of two proposed biofuel refineries in the Bay Area using incomplete and misleading environmental reviews.
Read more.Lawsuit Seeks to Protect Wetland-Dependent Midwestern Snake
CHICAGO— The Center for Biological Diversity and Hoosier Environmental Council sued the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today for denying Endangered Species Act protections to the imperiled Kirtland’s snake.
Read more.Legal Petition Aims to Phase Out Toxic Lead Ammo, Fishing Tackle on National Wildlife Refuges
WASHINGTON— The Center for Biological Diversity, Texas Physicians for Social Responsibility and the Sierra Club filed a formal legal petition today calling on the U.S. Department of the Interior to phase out the use of lead ammunition and fishing tackle on national wildlife refuges. Numerous scientific studies have linked lead ammunition to poisonings of wildlife and people.
Read more.Senate Committee Considers Grand Canyon Protection Act
PHOENIX— A U.S. Senate subcommittee held a hearing today for the Grand Canyon Protection Act, an important step toward passage of legislation to protect about 1 million acres of public lands near Grand Canyon National Park from toxic uranium mining. The Act would make permanent a ban on mining that was enacted administratively in 2012.
Read more.Lawsuit Filed to Compel EPA to Enforce Smog-Reduction Measures in Los Angeles, Sacramento, New Hampshire
OAKLAND, Calif.— Environmental and public-health groups filed a lawsuit today against the Environmental Protection Agency for failing to ensure that Los Angeles, Sacramento and New Hampshire have effective plans to reduce dangerous smog pollution.
Read more.Selkirk’s Piping Plover Mural Highlights Endangered Species
SELKIRK, Manitoba— The Center for Biological Diversity and Interlake Art Board will host a community event on June 15 to celebrate a new mural of the piping plover, an endangered shorebird that summers in Canada and the northern United States before flying south for the winter.
Read more.Biden Use of Defense Production Act Signals Pivot on Climate, Renewables
WASHINGTON— President Biden signaled a major shift in climate strategy today, announcing executive actions that use the Defense Production Act to manufacture solar panel components, heat pumps, insulation, and grid transformers needed to speed the country toward renewable energy.
Read more.California Drift Gillnets Entangled About 12 Humpback Whales in 2021
SAN FRANCISCO— After new federal reports estimated that the California drift gillnet fishery caught about 12 Pacific humpbacks in 2021, the Center for Biological Diversity warned the National Marine Fisheries Service today to expect to be sued for failing to protect these endangered whales from entanglements in drift nets.
Read more.New Right Whale Endangered Species Condom Distributed for World Ocean Day, Marine Mammal Protection Act Anniversary
WASHINGTON— The Center for Biological Diversity will head to Capitol Hill on Wednesday, June 8 to distribute Endangered Species Condoms in honor of World Ocean Day and mark the 50th anniversary of the Marine Mammal Protection Act.
Read more.9th Circuit Affirms Moratorium on Offshore Fracking Off California, Orders More Review
LOS ANGELES— A federal appeals court today affirmed a lower court decision that prohibits offshore fracking in federal waters off the California coast.
Read more.EPA Finalizes Damaging Renewable Fuels Standard
WASHINGTON— The Environmental Protection Agency is expected to finalize its renewable fuel standards for corn ethanol and other biofuels for 2020, 2021 and 2022 today, setting the 2022 required minimum volume for transportation sector use at roughly 15 billion gallons of corn ethanol and 5.63 billion gallons of advanced biofuels.
Read more.Conservationists Back Havasupai Tribe’s Opposition to Grand Canyon Uranium Mine
GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK― Conservation groups joined the Havasupai Tribe today to denounce the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality’s approval of a key permit for a uranium mine near Grand Canyon’s South Rim. On Friday the Tribe sent a letter to Arizona officials reasserting its opposition to the mine and calling for new hydrological studies, regular meetings and monitoring data for the Pinyon Plain Mine.
Read more.Legal Agreement Will Protect Critical Habitat for Threatened Florida Manatees
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.— In a legal agreement with the Center for Biological Diversity, Defenders of Wildlife and Save the Manatee Club, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service committed today to revise critical habitat for the Florida manatee by September 2024. The manatee’s critical habitat has not been updated since its original designation in 1976.
Read more.Lawsuit Challenges Federal Pesticide-Spraying Program Affecting Millions of Acres of Western Rangelands
WASHINGTON— The Xerces Society and Center for Biological Diversity sued the federal Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service today over its program allowing insecticide spraying on millions of acres in 17 western states.
Read more.Southern California Fish Move Closer to Endangered Species Act Protection
LOS ANGELES— In response to a lawsuit brought by the Center for Biological Diversity, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service agreed today to dates by which it will make decisions on whether Santa Ana speckled dace and Long Valley speckled dace warrant protection under the Endangered Species Act.
Read more.Giraffes One Step Closer to U.S. Endangered Species Protections
WASHINGTON— In response to a lawsuit by conservation and animal protection groups, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service agreed today to a deadline of November 2024 for deciding if giraffes warrant protection under the Endangered Species Act.
Read more.$30,000 Reward Offered for Info on Washington Wolf Killings
SEATTLE— Conservation and animal-protection groups announced a combined $30,000 reward today for information leading to a conviction in the illegal killing of four wolves in northeastern Washington earlier this year.
Read more.Court Restores Wolverine Protections While Agency Reconsiders Endangered Species Decision
MISSOULA, Mont.— In a victory for wolverines, a Montana District Court decided late Thursday to restore the species as a candidate for protection under the Endangered Species Act. The court agreed with conservation groups that wolverines need additional protections while the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service reconsiders its 2020 decision not to protect the species as threatened or endangered.
Read more.Lawsuit Launched to Stop Extinction of Guam’s Endangered Animals, Plants
HAGÅTÑA, Guam— The Center for Biological Diversity, Blue Ocean Law and Prutehi Litekyan: Save Ritidian notified the U.S. Navy and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today that they intend to sue to stop the ongoing construction of a machine gun range and the relocation of 5,000 U.S. Marines to Guam.
Read more.California Assembly Passes Bill to Improve Wildlife Connectivity, Public Safety
SACRAMENTO, Calif.— The California Assembly passed legislation on Wednesday that would improve wildlife connectivity and make California roads safer. The Safe Roads and Wildlife Protection Act would prioritize wildlife crossings and other infrastructure projects that improve wildlife connectivity and reduce wildlife-vehicle collision risk.
Read more.Lawsuit Launched to Seek Habitat Protection for 49 Endangered Hawaiian Species
HONOLULU— The Center for Biological Diversity today filed a formal notice of intent to sue the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for failing to protect critical habitat for 49 endangered Hawaiian Islands species. These species include the ‘Akē‘akē, also known as the band-rumped storm-petrel, and the Nalo Meli Maoli, also called the Hawaiian yellow-faced bee.
Read more.Legal Petition Urges EPA to Require Commonsense Safeguards on Pesticide Labels to Protect Farmworkers, Endangered Species
WASHINGTON— The Center for Biological Diversity submitted a petition for rulemaking to the Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Pesticide Programs today to require new safeguards on pesticide labels. The new measures would be aimed at protecting people and endangered species. Pesticide labels and instructions must be followed properly for the use of a pesticide to be considered lawful.
Read more.Eastern Monarch Butterfly Population Up Slightly, Still Below Extinction Threshold
WASHINGTON— The yearly count released today of monarch butterflies that overwintered in Mexico continues to show imperilment for the migratory butterfly. This year’s count of 2.84 hectares (7 acres) of occupied winter habitat is up slightly from last year but still below the 6 hectare threshold scientists say is necessary for the iconic pollinator to be out of the extinction danger zone in North America.
Read more.Utah Judge to Hear Arguments Wednesday on Misuse of Public Money for Oil Train
SALT LAKE CITY― A Utah district court judge will hear arguments Wednesday in a lawsuit filed by conservation groups challenging the misuse of public funds on fossil fuel projects, including the proposed Uinta Basin Railway.
Read more.Lawsuit Launched Challenging USDA’s Failure to Protect Endangered Species From Insecticide Sprays Over Millions of Acres in U.S. West
WASHINGTON— The Xerces Society and Center for Biological Diversity filed a notice of intent today to sue the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s secretive Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service for failing to properly consider harms to endangered species caused by insecticide spraying across millions of acres of western grasslands.
Read more.Oregon’s North Coast Red Tree Voles Get New Shot at Crucial Protections
PORTLAND, Ore.— In a legal victory, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service agreed today to reconsider whether red tree voles on Oregon’s North Coast need protection under the Endangered Species Act. The Service has until January 31, 2024, to make a decision.
Read more.Federal Judge Stops 35,000-Acre Fracking Plan in Western Colorado
DENVER― A U.S. District Court judge today vacated a federal plan that allowed fracking across 35,000 acres of Colorado’s Western Slope.
Read more.Federal Watchdog to Investigate EPA’s Inaction on Seresto Flea Collars
WASHINGTON— The Office of Inspector General for the Environmental Protection Agency announced today that it is investigating whether the agency violated federal law by failing to take action on the Seresto flea collar linked to thousands of pet deaths.
Read more.Lawsuit Aims to Protect Dunes Sagebrush Lizard From Extinction
SILVER CITY, N.M.— The Center for Biological Diversity sued the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today for again stalling in making a decision on whether to grant Endangered Species Act protections to the dunes sagebrush lizard. The agency has delayed protecting the lizard for four decades.
Read more.Legal Protests Target Biden’s Plans To Resume Oil, Gas Leasing on Public Lands
WASHINGTON— Climate, conservation and community groups from across the country filed administrative protests today challenging the Biden administration’s plans to resume oil and gas leasing in June, saying the president should end new leasing to heed his own climate goals while protecting communities, water and wildlife.
Read more.Legal Petition Seeks Federal Trade Commission Investigation of Energy Utility Abuses
WASHINGTON— More than 230 consumer, environmental and public interest groups urged the Federal Trade Commission today to investigate the electric utility industry for widespread abuses. These include bribery, fake dark-money campaigns and denying customers access to renewable energy.
Read more.Court Rules Federal Agency Wrongly Withdrew Bi-State Sage Grouse Protections
SAN FRANCISCO― A federal court has ruled that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service illegally withdrew its proposal to list the bi-state sage grouse as threatened under the Endangered Species Act.
Read more.Massive Kootenai National Forest Timber Sale Challenged by Conservation Groups
MISSOULA, Mont.— Conservation groups sued the U.S. Forest Service today to stop a large timber sale in the Kootenai National Forest that threatens a small and imperiled population of grizzly bears near the Montana-Canada border. The groups notified the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service of their intent to sue it, as well.
Read more.Lawsuit Challenges California Biofuel Refinery Expansion
LOS ANGELES— Environmental justice and conservation groups sued the city of Paramount, California today over its approval of a biofuel refinery expansion without adequate environmental review.
Read more.Legal Agreement Requires Federal Government to Update Marine Mammal Assessments
WASHINGTON— In response to a lawsuit filed by the Center for Biological Diversity and Turtle Island Restoration Network, the Biden administration today agreed to release long-overdue population reports for manatees in Florida and Puerto Rico and sea otters and walruses in Alaska, as required by the Marine Mammal Protection Act.
Read more.Mexican Gray Wolf Rule Eliminates Cap on Population, Restricts Killing
SILVER CITY, N.M.— The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service confirmed today that it will eliminate its current population cap of 325 Mexican gray wolves that are allowed to live in the wild in the Southwest. Today’s announcement follows a 2018 legal victory by conservation organizations. In the same decision, the agency rejected science-based reforms that would increase genetic diversity at a faster rate.
Read more.Rare Florida Lizard Back on Course for Endangered Species Protection
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.— In response to a Center for Biological Diversity lawsuit, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has agreed to reconsider its denial of Endangered Species Act protections to the Cedar Key mole skink, a highly imperiled lizard found only on a few islands off Florida’s Nature Coast. The Service must make a new decision by July 31, 2024.
Read more.Federal Appeals Court Upholds Decision to Halt Rosemont Mine in Arizona
TUCSON, Ariz.— A federal appeals court today upheld the invalidation of the U.S. Forest Service’s approval of a controversial open-pit copper mine in southern Arizona’s Santa Rita Mountains.
Read more.Lawsuit Launched Over Delay of Endangered Species Protections for 11 Species
WASHINGTON— The Center for Biological Diversity announced its intent today to sue the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for delaying critically needed Endangered Species Act protections for 11 imperiled plants and animals. The species range from the Puerto Rico harlequin butterfly and the Suwannee alligator snapping turtle to a rare wetlands wildflower found only in Arizona and Mexico.
Read more.Lawsuit Expands Challenge to Damaging Grazing in Agua Fria National Monument in Arizona
TUCSON, Ariz.— The Center for Biological Diversity and Maricopa Audubon Society initiated new legal proceedings against the U.S. Bureau of Land Management today to stop cattle in four grazing allotments from further damaging streams and riparian areas of the Agua Fria National Monument in central Arizona.
Read more.Legal Appeal Aims to Defend Wyoming’s Path of the Pronghorn From Massive Fracking Project
DENVER— Conservation groups today appealed a federal court’s decision upholding a Trump-era plan to allow 3,500 new gas wells in southwestern Wyoming.
Read more.Lawsuit: EPA Must Protect Manatees From Water Pollution
ORLANDO, Fla.— Three conservation groups sued the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today for failing to protect manatees and sea turtles from water pollution in Florida.
Read more.Legal Agreement Forces EPA to Assess Toxicity of Plastics
WASHINGTON— The Environmental Protection Agency will analyze the toxic effects of polyvinyl chloride, commonly referred to as “PVC” or “vinyl”, as the result of a legal agreement reached today with the Center for Biological Diversity.
Read more.Lawsuit Seeks Documents on Biden Administration Plans to Weaken Endangered Species Act
WASHINGTON— The Center for Biological Diversity has filed a lawsuit challenging the Biden administration’s failure to release documents detailing discussions between political officials, other agency staff, and members of Congress over potential legislation that would further weaken the Endangered Species Act.
Read more.Report: Electric Utilities Shut Off Power 3.6 Million Times While Increasing Payouts to Shareholders, Executives
WASHINGTON— Electric utilities have disconnected U.S. households more than 3.5 million times since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, while shareholder returns and executive compensation have skyrocketed, according to Powerless in the Pandemic 2.0, a new report from the Center for Biological Diversity and BailoutWatch.
Read more.Arizona OKs Uranium Mining Permit That Puts Grand Canyon’s Groundwater, Springs at Risk
GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK, Ariz.— The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality approved an aquifer protection permit late Thursday for a uranium mine near Grand Canyon National Park.
Read more.Lawsuit Challenges U.S. Postal Service Plan to Buy 150,000 Gas-Guzzling Trucks
WASHINGTON— The Center for Biological Diversity, CleanAirNow, Sierra Club, and 16 states filed lawsuits in California federal court today challenging the U.S. Postal Service’s decision to replace its aging fleet with close to 150,000 gas-burning delivery trucks.
Read more.Tope Sharks Take Step Toward Endangered Species Protection
PORTLAND, Ore.— Following a petition, the National Marine Fisheries Service has announced that the tope shark — also known as the “soupfin shark” — may warrant protection under the U.S. Endangered Species Act.
Read more.Legal Actions Challenge Huge Logging Project in Los Padres National Forest
VENTURA, Calif.— A coalition of environmental, business and recreational organizations — joined by the county of Ventura and the city of Ojai — filed suit in federal court today to challenge a commercial logging and vegetation removal project atop Pine Mountain and Reyes Peak in the Los Padres National Forest.
Read more.Proposed Montana Gypsum Mine Scrapped in Victory for Rare Plant
BILLINGS, Mont.— The mining company Grupo Cementos de Chihuahua has withdrawn its plan for gypsum mining exploration in southern Montana’s Pryor Desert. The plan would have disturbed Jurassic Period fossils, Crow and Northern Cheyenne archaeological sites, the imperiled greater sage grouse and many sensitive plant species, including the thick-leaf bladderpod.
Read more.500 Global Groups Urge Biden to End Fossil Fuel Era in Response to Russia-Ukraine War
WASHINGTON— More than 500 organizations from six continents sent a letter to President Biden and other world leaders today, urging them to speed the end of the fossil fuel era and spur a just and equitable transition to 100% renewable energy.
Read more.Lawsuit Demands Halt to Mexico’s Maya Train
CANCUN, Mexico— Conservation groups have sued the Mexican government over its plan to build a “Maya train” through one of Mexico’s most biodiverse forests. This controversial tourist train — one of President López Obrador’s flagship infrastructure projects — will connect holiday destinations across the Yucatán peninsula. The lawsuit challenges the government’s failure to issue an environmental assessment before approving the train’s fifth and most-controversial section.
Read more.Rare Southern Nevada Wildflower, Bee One Step Closer to Endangered Species Protections
LAS VEGAS— In response to litigation from the Center for Biological Diversity, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service agreed today to dates for decisions on endangered species protections for the Las Vegas bearpoppy and the Mojave poppy bee, as well as 25 other species across the United States.
Read more.Monarch Butterflies, Dozens of Other Species One Step Closer to Endangered Species Protections
WASHINGTON— In response to three lawsuits brought by the Center for Biological Diversity, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service agreed today to dates for decisions on whether 18 plants and animals from across the country warrant protection as endangered or threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. The Service will also consider identifying and protecting critical habitat for another nine species.
Read more.Federal Officials Forced to Reexamine Kentucky Pipeline’s Threats to Endangered Bats
CEDAR GROVE, Ky.— The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced today that it will return to the drawing board to ensure that a proposed methane gas pipeline will not jeopardize the survival of three imperiled bat species.
Read more.First Red Wolf Pups Born in Wild Since 2018, Raising Hope for Brighter Future for Species
ALBERMARLE, N.C.— For the first time in four years, a litter of pups has been born into eastern North Carolina’s struggling population of wild red wolves. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Red Wolf Recovery Program staff confirmed this week that six pups were born to a wild red wolf pair in Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge. The Service announced late Thursday night that the new litter includes four females and two male pups.
Read more.Cultural, Environmental Groups Launch Utom Conservation Fund Scholarship, Fellowship
VENTURA COUNTY, Calif.— An alliance of cultural and environmental organizations launched fellowships and scholarships today worth $100,000 for students committed to the protection of Southern California’s signature river. The Utom Conservation Fund Scholarship and Fellowship, announced on Earth Day, will be awarded to high school seniors, undergraduate and graduate school students committed to researching and preserving the cultural values and ecological function of the Utom watershed.
Read more.Biden Launches Process for Protecting Mature, Old-Growth Forests on Federal Lands
SEATTLE— President Joe Biden will issue an executive order today that directs federal agencies to conduct an inventory of mature and old-growth forests on America’s federal lands so that policies can be adopted to protect them. The administration framed the move as a key strategy to store carbon and address climate change.
Read more.Lawsuit Challenges Federal OK of Arizona Freeway That Will Harm Climate, Wildlife, Public Lands
TUCSON, Ariz.— Conservation groups sued the Federal Highway Administration today to challenge its approval of Interstate 11, a proposed north-south highway in Arizona that would destroy pristine Sonoran Desert, harm threatened desert tortoises and other wildlife, and worsen air pollution.
Read more.Lawsuit Aims to Protect Rare Parasitic Bumblebees That Play Critical Role in Keeping Other Bee Populations Diverse, Robust
TUCSON, Ariz.— The Center for Biological Diversity filed a lawsuit today to force the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to determine whether Suckley’s cuckoo bumblebees warrant protection under the Endangered Species Act.
Read more.For Earth Day, ‘Frostpaw the Polar Bear’ to Urge Rep. DeLauro, Sen. Leahy to Fully Fund Endangered Species Act
NEWTOWN, Conn.— The Center for Biological Diversity and Frostpaw, the Center’s polar bear mascot, will be tending a booth at Newtown Earth Day on Saturday, April 23 to hand out endangered species postcards that urge Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.) and Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-VT) to increase funding for endangered species and help stem the global extinction crisis.
Read more.Group Celebrates Earth Day by Expanding Nature Preserve System Throughout West
BEND, Ore.— The Wildlands Conservancy, owner of California’s largest nonprofit nature preserve system, announced today the group’s expansion into additional Western states. The Conservancy’s first out-of-state acquisition is the purchase of the 30,000-acre Cherry Creek Ranch in central Oregon, newly named Enchanted Rocks Preserve after the landscape’s fascinating geology.
Read more.Top Scientists: California Must End Neighborhood Oil Drilling, Phase Out Fossil Fuels
SACRAMENTO, Calif.— Nearly 200 scientists marked Earth Week by sending a letter today calling on the Newsom administration to immediately end neighborhood oil drilling and rapidly phase out fossil fuel production in California.
Read more.Oregon’s Wolf Population Increases by Only Two After Year of Poaching Deaths
PORTLAND, Ore.— Oregon’s wolf population increased by two confirmed animals in 2021 — from 173 to 175 wolves — according to a report released today by the state’s Department of Fish and Wildlife. There were 21 reported packs in 2021, while the number of breeding pairs decreased by one for a total of 16.
Read more.Legal Action Defends Endangered Southwestern Willow Flycatcher
WASHINGTON— Longtime conservation partners the Center for Biological Diversity and Maricopa Audubon Society took to the courts today to fight once more to protect the endangered Southwestern willow flycatcher. This tiny, highly endangered songbird depends on the increasingly rare and threatened streamside forests of the arid southwestern United States.
Read more.15,000 Endangered Species Condoms to Be Given Away for Earth Day
TUCSON, Ariz.— More than 140 volunteers will give away 15,000 free Endangered Species Condoms from the Center for Biological Diversity in time for Earth Day on Friday. The condoms will be given away at Earth Day events and on college campuses across the country.
Read more.New Study Shows People of Color in U.S. Are More Likely to Be Harmed by Pesticides Due to Weak Regulations, Lax Enforcement
WASHINGTON— A peer-reviewed study published today in the academic journal BMC Public Health finds that Black, Indigenous and people of color, along with low-income communities, shoulder an outsized burden of the harms caused by pesticides in the United States.
Read more.Legal Victory Secures Habitat Protection for 23 Imperiled Micronesian Species
HAGÅTÑA, Guam— Following a successful legal challenge by the Center for Biological Diversity and Blue Ocean Law, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service must now identify and protect critical habitat for 23 endangered and threatened species located throughout greater Micronesia. The Service now has to act on critical habitat for these nine rare animals and 14 plants by June 26, 2025.
Read more.Appeals Court Upholds Habitat Protections for New Mexico Meadow Jumping Mouse
DENVER, Colo.— The 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals rejected a challenge brought by two cattlemen’s associations seeking to overturn the endangered New Mexico meadow jumping mouse’s critical habitat designation. This decision gives this remarkable mouse a fighting chance of survival.
Read more.Biden Administration to Restart Oil, Gas Leasing on Public Lands
WASHINGTON— The Bureau of Land Management announced today that it will resume oil and gas leasing on public lands, violating President Biden’s campaign promise to end new oil and gas leasing and locking in new extraction that thwarts his pledge to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Read more.‘Los Angeles Times’ Ad Urges California to Ramp Up Clean Car Rules
LOS ANGELES— Environmental, equity and health groups placed a full-page ad in the Los Angeles Times today warning that California’s weak draft auto emissions rule falls short of needed progress and jeopardizes the state’s pledge to be carbon neutral by 2045.
Read more.California’s Clear Lake Hitch Back on Track for Endangered Species Protections
CLEAR LAKE, Calif.— In a legal victory for the Center for Biological Diversity, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service agreed today to again consider Endangered Species Act protections for the Clear Lake hitch. This large minnow is found only in Northern California’s Clear Lake.
Read more.Mining Company Told to Stop Illegal Dumping in Arizona’s Santa Rita Mountains
TUCSON, Ariz.— Conservation groups filed a formal notice today of their intent to sue an international mining company to protect critical desert streams and washes in southern Arizona’s Santa Rita Mountains.
Read more.Temblor Legless Lizard Gets Closer to California Endangered Species Protection
SACRAMENTO, Calif.— The California Department of Fish and Wildlife today recommended that the Temblor legless lizard move toward protection under the state’s Endangered Species Act. The action came in response to a petition from the Center for Biological Diversity.
Read more.Independent Scientific Review Panel: EPA’s Weakening of Groundwater Protections From Pesticides Is Not Justified
WASHINGTON— In a peer-review report released this week, an independent panel of scientists gave a scathing critique of recent changes made by the Environmental Protection Agency to weaken its estimates of pesticide pollution in U.S. groundwater.
Read more.California Issues Weak Clean Cars Rule, Fails to Lead Aggressive Electric Push
SACRAMENTO, Calif.— California proposed a new clean car rule today that jeopardizes the state’s pledge to be carbon neutral by 2045. The Advanced Clean Cars II Rule charts inadequate progress toward 100% zero-emission vehicle, or ZEV, sales and ignores tailpipe pollution from millions of gas-powered cars sold until that transition is complete.
Read more.State Wildlife Agency Recommends Ending Protection for California’s Climate-Threatened Western Joshua Trees
SACRAMENTO, Calif.— In a report released today, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife recommended ending interim protections for imperiled western Joshua trees, opening the door for widespread destruction of one of California’s most iconic species.
Read more.Federal Officials Revise Plan to Recover Endangered Mexican Gray Wolves
SILVER CITY, N.M.— Responding to a legal victory by the Center for Biological Diversity and allies, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced today that it will release a draft revision to its 2017 Mexican Wolf Recovery Plan. The new draft, which will be released Thursday, is intended to provide measures to reduce human-caused mortality that the 2017 plan lacked.
Read more.Lawsuit Launched to Seek Federal Protection for Thick-Leaf Bladderpod
BILLINGS, Mont.— Three conservation groups today announced their intent to sue the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for failing to protect the thick-leaf bladderpod, a rare plant found only at the base of the Pryor Mountains in southern Montana and northern Wyoming. The plant is under imminent threat from gypsum mining.
Read more.Lawsuit Aims to Push EPA to Set New Limits on Soot, Sulfur, Nitrogen Pollution
OAKLAND, Calif.— Environmental groups filed a lawsuit today to force the Environmental Protection Agency to update limits on harmful soot, sulfur and nitrogen air pollution.
Read more.Endangered Species Act Protection Sought for Nevada’s Railroad Valley Toad
RENO, Nev.— The Center for Biological Diversity filed a petition today with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service seeking Endangered Species Act protection for the critically imperiled Railroad Valley toad, which is threatened by a proposed lithium production project and oil drilling.
Read more.New Report: Gender Equity Solutions Missing From Municipal Climate Plans
TUCSON, Ariz.— A newly released report by the Center for Biological Diversity that analyzed municipal climate plans found that, although women and gender-diverse people are disproportionately affected by climate change, none of the reviewed plans mentioned family planning, contraception, or reproductive health solutions. Only one mentioned gender equity.
Read more.Autoridad ambiental del T-MEC recomienda investigación formal por fallas en la protección de la vaquita marina en México
MONTRÉAL— Un organismo clave del acuerdo comercial entre México, Estados Unidos y Canadá (T-MEC) recomendó hoy una investigación formal sobre el incumplimiento de México de sus leyes de pesca y de vida silvestre, lo que está causando la casi extinción de la vaquita marina. Redes de pesca ilegales colocadas para atrapar camarones y totoabas, un pez en peligro y codiciado en China por su vejiga natatoria, enredan y matan a la vaquita. Es probable que queden diez o menos vaquitas.
Read more.International Environmental Authority Recommends Full Investigation of Mexico’s Vaquita Failures
MONTRéAL— A key U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement body recommended a formal investigation today into Mexico’s failure to comply with its fishing and wildlife trade laws, which is causing the near-extinction of the vaquita porpoise. Illegal fishing nets set to catch shrimp and totoaba, an imperiled fish coveted in China for its swim bladder, entangle and kill vaquita. Ten or fewer vaquita likely remain.
Read more.More Than 200 Wolves Reported in Washington in 2021
OLYMPIA, Wash.— The official Washington wolf population numbers released today show a statewide total of 206 wolves in 33 packs, with 19 successful breeding pairs. The state Department of Fish and Wildlife documented 30 wolves killed by people in 2021, up from 16 last year.
Read more.New Dungeons & Dragons Book to Support Endangered Species Protection
PORTLAND, Ore.— The Center for Biological Diversity is partnering with Mage Hand Press and creator Lucas Zellers to resurrect the histories of extinct animals in a surprising new way: through the popular role-playing game Dungeons & Dragons.
Read more.Documents: Biden Administration Misled Public Over Secret Plan to Weaken Whooping Crane Protections
WASHINGTON— The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has been planning to weaken whooping crane protections since early 2021, according to federal documents obtained by the Center for Biological Diversity.
Read more.Developer Ditches Plan to Dam Arizona’s San Francisco River
PHOENIX— A developer notified federal regulators today that it has abandoned plans for a 200-foot-tall dam along a remote, biodiverse stretch of the San Francisco River at the Arizona-New Mexico border.
Read more.Lawsuit Launched to Stop Power Plant Construction, Save Nevada Toad After Endangered Species Listing
RENO, Nev.— The Fallon Paiute-Shoshone Tribe and the Center for Biological Diversity filed a formal notice of intent today to sue the U.S. Bureau of Land Management to halt construction of the Dixie Meadows geothermal power plant. Federal wildlife managers say the plant poses a significant risk of extinction to the Dixie Valley toad.
Read more.Lawsuit Filed to Protect Redwood Forest in California From Logging
MENDOCINO, Calif.― Environmental groups have filed a lawsuit to stop the Mendocino Redwood Company from logging nearly 1,000 acres of redwood forest in a California watershed that provides habitat for threatened northern spotted owls and fish.
Read more.140 Groups Call for Major Reforms at U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to Restore Scientific Integrity
WASHINGTON— The Center for Biological Diversity and 139 other organizations sent a letter today urging U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Martha Williams to take immediate action to reform the agency’s process for listing imperiled species as threatened or endangered.
Read more.Bill Calls for Turbocharging Renewable Energy Manufacturing Under Defense Production Act to Ensure True Energy Security, End Fossil Fuels
WASHINGTON— U.S. Rep. Cori Bush (D-Mo.), Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), and Rep. Jason Crow (D-Colo.) introduced legislation today that would require President Biden to use the Defense Production Act to build a renewable energy industrial base to protect communities and achieve energy independence from fossil fuels.
Read more.Los Angeles County Moves to Limit New Sprawl in Fire-Prone Areas
LOS ANGELES— The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved an update to the county’s general plan today that limits new development in wildfire hazard zones, reducing regional risk as California braces for what could be another intense fire season.
Read more.Federal Court Rejects Fort Huachuca’s Groundwater Pumping Plan for Fourth Time
TUCSON, Ariz.— A federal judge has rejected the latest plan by the U.S. Army and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service aimed at preventing damage to the San Pedro River and its endangered species from groundwater pumping to serve Fort Huachuca and the Fort’s population in surrounding areas.
Read more.Congress Introduces Legislation to Ban Wildlife Killing Contests on Public Lands
WASHINGTON— More than a dozen members of Congress introduced legislation today that would prohibit organizing, sponsoring, conducting or participating in wildlife killing contests on more than 500 million acres of U.S. public lands.
Read more.New Coalition Pressures Tennessee Valley Authority to Cut Fossil-Fuel Emissions, Ramp Up Renewable Energy
KNOXVILLE, Tenn.— Dozens of organizations in the Tennessee Valley came together today to launch the Clean Up TVA Coalition, demanding immediate action from the Tennessee Valley Authority to cut carbon emissions and transition to a fossil-fuel-free and just energy future by 2030.
Read more.California Oil Company Warned for Cutting Corners in Repairing Leaky Pipeline
HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif.— The Center for Biological Diversity warned DCOR, LLC in a letter today that the company failed to comply with a California law requiring a Coastal Development Permit for its repair of an offshore oil pipeline that leaked in December.
Read more.U.S. Fish and Wildlife Gives Rare Nevada Toad Emergency Endangered Species Protection
RENO, Nev.— The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced today it would immediately protect the rare Dixie Valley toad under the Endangered Species Act on an emergency basis. The toads face an acute threat of extinction from the construction of a geothermal power plant adjacent to their only home at Dixie Meadows, a hot spring-fed wetland in Churchill County, Nevada.
Read more.100 Groups Demand EPA Set Protective Airplane-Pollution Limits
WASHINGTON— The Center for Biological Diversity and more than 100 allies submitted comments today opposing the Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed particulate matter pollution standards for aircraft.
Read more.Arizona Game and Fish Fails to Ban Spring Bear Hunting With New Guidelines
PHOENIX, Ariz.— The Arizona Game and Fish Commission finalized new five-year hunting guidelines today that offer slightly better protections for mountain lions and bears but still fail to give the animals a fair chance, allowing hound hunting and a spring bear hunt to proceed.
Read more.Lawsuit Launched to Stop Destruction of Endangered California Tiger Salamander Habitat
SANTA MARIA, Calif.— The Center for Biological Diversity notified the Santa Maria Airport District this week of its intent to sue over the destruction of hundreds of acres of critical habitat for endangered California tiger salamanders.
Read more.Alaska’s Ice Seals Gain Critical Habitat Protection
WASHINGTON— Following a legal victory by the Center for Biological Diversity, the National Marine Fisheries Service announced two final rules today to protect critical habitat for bearded seals and ringed seals, two types of Arctic ice seals in Alaska.
Read more.Mexican Gray Wolf Numbers Rose to Just Under 200 Last Year
SILVER CITY, N.M.— The population of endangered Mexican gray wolves in Arizona and New Mexico grew by 10 animals last year, from 186 animals in 2020 to 196 in 2021. While this represents an overall increase, the pace of recovery is being hampered by illegal killings, disease, and genetic mismanagement.
Read more.Coastal California Sunflower Is Latest Endangered Species Act Success
EUREKA, Calif.— The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today changed the Endangered Species Act status of beach layia, a small sunflower that grows only in California’s coastal dunes, reclassifying it from endangered to threatened. The change is due to reduced impacts from offroad vehicles, grazing, and development throughout much of the species’ range.
Read more.Groups Call for Oil Industry to Fund California’s Costly Oil Well Cleanup
OAKLAND, Calif.— California climate, health and community groups sent a letter to the U.S. Interior Department today urging it to force polluters to pay for the cleanup of tens of thousands of dangerous abandoned oil and gas wells in the state.
Read more.Biden Budget Shortchanges Key Programs to Protect, Recover Endangered Species
WASHINGTON— Despite an overall increase of $86.4 million for endangered species conservation, President Biden’s fiscal year 2023 budget request, released today, still falls short of what’s needed to stem the loss of our nation’s biodiversity and halt the global extinction crisis.
Read more.Endangered Species Protection Sought for Tiny Virginia Fish
RICHMOND, Va.— The Center for Biological Diversity filed a legal petition today seeking Endangered Species Act protectio