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!
EXPLORE WAYS TO GIVE
WOLVES BELONG
Dive into wolves’ story of survival, learn more about their role as a keystone species, and find your path to action
From the outskirts of Yellowstone National Park to the hills of eastern Oregon, we’re working to protect vulnerable wolf populations across the West. Learn more about why this iconic species matters so much, the threats they face today, and how you can take action to support their recovery here.
Defending Wildlands
The western U.S. 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 western U.S. 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 the communities, lands, rivers, and wildlife of the western U.S. But, as the saying goes, in every crisis lies opportunity.
Bill to restore clean water protections passes House, heads to governor for signature
Today, the House voted 43-25 to pass SB 21, a bill to provide critical protections for New Mexico waters. It will next go to Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham to be signed into law. Following rollbacks to federal clean water protections in recent years, up to 95% of New...
Bill to restore clean water protections, safeguard drinking water passes final House committee, heads to House floor
Today, the House Energy, Environment, and Natural Resources Committee voted 5-4 to pass SB 21, a bill to provide critical protections for New Mexico waters. It will next go to the full House for a floor vote. Following rollbacks to federal clean water protections in...
WA Dept. of Ecology again ordered to rewrite industrial dairy permits to better safeguard public health, waterways, aquifers, ecosystems
Yesterday, in response to a challenge from community and conservation groups, the Washington State Pollution Control Hearings Board ordered the Department of Ecology to rewrite pollution discharge permits for concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) to better...
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.
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