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.
Montana Supreme Court affirms landmark youth-led climate decision, upholding constitutional rights to a safe and livable climate
In a historic ruling today, the Montana Supreme Court affirmed 6-1 the decision of the district court in the landmark case, Held v. State of Montana, siding with the 16 youth plaintiffs who had sued the state over its promotion of fossil fuel extraction and its...
Permitting “Dirty Deal” dead: 680 orgs opposed EPRA, Sen. Manchin set for retirement
Outgoing fossil fuel booster Sen. Joe Manchin’s latest effort at passing “permitting reform,” characterized as a “Dirty Deal” because it would grease the wheels for expanded oil and gas drilling on public lands and mandate liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports as called...
EPA finalizes determination of water quality violations in Los Alamos County; PCBs in some areas more than 10,000 times safety limits
On December 9th, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a final designation decision that stormwater discharges from Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) and Los Alamos County are contributing to violations of water quality standards and that these...
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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