We Defend the West
Defending Wildlands | Protecting Wildlife | Safeguarding Climate
We use the power of the law to foster thriving, resilient western U.S. 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 U.S. 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 U.S. lands, waters, wildlife, and communities in the face of a changing climate.
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EXPLORE WAYS TO GIVE
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.
Montana Supreme Court hears oral arguments in landmark youth-led constitutional climate case Held v. State of Montana
Today, attorneys for the 16 plaintiffs in the historic youth-led constitutional climate case, Held v. State of Montana, presented oral arguments before the Montana Supreme Court. In a packed courtroom, attorneys for the plaintiffs argued to uphold the August 2023...
Statement: Supreme Court eviscerates the public interest with Chevron decision
"The Supreme Court's right-wing majority in Loper Bright v. Raimondo is a textbook example of judicial hubris. With the stroke of a pen and little respect for long-settled, 40-year-old precedent, the majority struck down Chevron v. NRDC, a case that stood for the...
Montana youth climate victory defense: Attend in person or livestream the Montana Supreme Court
On Wednesday, July 10th, the Montana Supreme Court will hold oral argument in landmark youth-led constitutional climate case, Held v. State of Montana. What: The Montana Supreme Court will host a 90-minute oral argument in Held v. State of Montana. Attorneys for the...
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.