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For Immediate Release
Contact:

Haley McKey
hmckey@defenders.org
202-772-0247
/ 571-480-2113

Trump Administration Rips Away Protection for Migratory Birds

The Trump administration is reportedly reversing the longstanding interpretation of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act to exempt industry - including the oil and gas industry, powerlines and wind energy - from compliance with the United States' commitment under international agreements to protect migratory birds.

Statement from Bob Dreher, Defenders of Wildlife's senior vice president of conservation programs:

WASHINGTON

The Trump administration is reportedly reversing the longstanding interpretation of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act to exempt industry - including the oil and gas industry, powerlines and wind energy - from compliance with the United States' commitment under international agreements to protect migratory birds.

Statement from Bob Dreher, Defenders of Wildlife's senior vice president of conservation programs:

"In yet another gift to big corporations, the Trump administration is carving a huge hole in the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, allowing industries to kill birds with impunity. For generations, Americans have pledged to work with Canada and other nations to protect migratory birds. Defenders of Wildlife will fight to reverse the Trump administration's reckless and lawless act, and to restore the protections our migratory birds depend on for their survival."

Background:

The Migratory Bird Treaty Act enacted by Congress turns 100 next year, and has been read by federal agencies, the Department of Justice and the courts as protecting birds not just from unauthorized hunting but also from being trapped, poisoned or mangled by industrial operations. Migratory birds are increasingly threatened by land development, habitat loss and the effects of climate change.

Defenders of Wildlife is the premier U.S.-based national conservation organization dedicated to the protection and restoration of imperiled species and their habitats in North America.

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