We Defend the West
Defending Wildlands | Protecting Wildlife | Safeguarding Climate
We use the power of the law to foster thriving, resilient western lands, waters, wildlife, and communities in the face of a changing climate.
We Defend the West
Defending Wildlands | Protecting Wildlife | Safeguarding Climate
We use the power of the law to foster thriving, resilient western lands, waters, wildlife, and communities in the face of a changing climate.
We Defend the West
Defending Wildlands
Protecting Wildlife
Safeguarding Climate
We use the power of the law to foster thriving, resilient western lands, waters, wildlife, and communities in the face of a changing climate.
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We fight in court to defend the western U.S. on behalf of our clients free of charge, but we can’t do it without your support!
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PODCAST: STORIES OF KINSHIP
We envision a thriving, resilient future for western U.S. lands, waters, wildlife, and communities in the face of a changing climate. The Stories of Kinship podcast shares key updates as we we work toward this vision, connecting our efforts across subject matter and state lines. Click here to learn more and subscribe!
PODCAST: STORIES OF KINSHIP
We envision a thriving, resilient future for western U.S. lands, waters, wildlife, and communities in the face of a changing climate. The Stories of Kinship podcast shares key updates as we we work toward this vision, connecting our efforts across subject matter and state lines. Click here to learn more and subscribe!
Defending Wildlands
The West is defined by its natural heritage of wildlands, rivers, forests, and wildlife. Since its inception, WELC has worked hard to preserve and restore these unique characteristics.
Protecting Wildlife
The West depends on its iconic wildlife. WELC protects native animals while preserving and restoring the healthy, functioning natural ecosystems they call home.
Safeguarding Climate
Our world is warming, with dire consequences to western communities, lands, rivers, and wildlife. But, as the saying goes, in every crisis lies opportunity.
State water commission to consider gov’s office tampering motion in oil and gas wastewater rulemaking
On Thursday, November 13, the New Mexico Water Quality Control Commission (WQCC) will consider water watchdogs’ motion to disqualify 7 of 14 commissioners and vacate their July 7 vote to hear a controversial oil and gas wastewater discharge petition due to political...
Amelia Marchand and Cliff Villa join WELC board of directors
The Western Environmental Law Center, a nonprofit public-interest environmental law firm, is proud to announce the addition of Amelia Marchand and Cliff Villa to its board of directors. Cliff Villa rejoined the board after serving in an appointed position with the...
Legal organizations: Colorado on solid footing to release wolves from Canada
10(j) rule identified one possible source of wolves, not a mandated population Denver, CO – According to a CBS News report, former congressman Greg Lopez – alongside livestock industry groups – sent a letter to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service claiming that...
WELC Land Acknowledgement
The Western Environmental Law Center acknowledges that we live and work on the homelands of Indigenous Peoples across the western United States. We honor these original peoples who have long stewarded these lands, and we celebrate their resilience and richness of their languages, traditions, and cultures. Read more here.


