We Defend the West
Defending Wildlands | Protecting Wildlife | Safeguarding Climate
The Western Environmental Law Center uses the power of the law to safeguard the public lands, wildlife, and communities of the American West in the face of a changing climate. We envision a thriving, resilient West, abundant with protected public lands and wildlife, powered by clean energy, and defended by communities rooted in an ethic of conservation.
We Defend the West
Defending Wildlands | Protecting Wildlife | Safeguarding Climate
The Western Environmental Law Center uses the power of the law to safeguard the public lands, wildlife, and communities of the American West in the face of a changing climate. We envision a thriving, resilient West, abundant with protected public lands and wildlife, powered by clean energy, and defended by communities rooted in an ethic of conservation.
We Defend the West
Defending Wildlands
Protecting Wildlife
Safeguarding Climate
The Western Environmental Law Center uses the power of the law to safeguard the public lands, wildlife, and communities of the American West in the face of a changing climate. We envision a thriving, resilient West, abundant with protected public lands and wildlife, powered by clean energy, and defended by communities rooted in an ethic of conservation.
Get Updates
Receive monthly updates on our work defending the West.
Subscribe to WELC publications in the mail here.
Support Our Work!
We fight in court to defend the American West on behalf of our clients free of charge, but we can’t do it without your support!
EXPLORE WAYS TO GIVE
Defending Wildlands
The American 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 American 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 the American West’s communities, lands, rivers, and wildlife. But, as the saying goes, in every crisis lies opportunity.
VICTORY for Greater Chaco
After years of perseverance fighting against the exploitation of the sacred Greater Chaco region, our efforts have been vindicated at the court of appeals. Oil and gas should have no place in this treasured landscape, and we’re honored to help amplify community voices and are dedicated to realizing our shared goal of lasting protection for Greater Chaco.
No double-density drilling: Oil Conservation Commission resolves conflict
Today, environmental and tribal advocates celebrated a victory protecting land, water, and communities from the development of up to 8,000 new gas wells in San Juan and Rio Arriba counties of northwest New Mexico, part of the Greater Chaco region. After nearly a year...
Statement: Trump administration is pro-extinction
Today, the Trump administration announced sweeping changes to the way its agencies will administer the Endangered Species Act (ESA), one of the oldest, most effective, and most widely supported environmental laws in U.S. history. These changes, which seek to...
Trump administration reauthorizes wildlife-killing M-44 ‘cyanide bombs’ despite strong opposition
The Trump administration has reauthorized use of sodium cyanide in wildlife-killing devices called M-44s. These “cyanide bombs” received approval from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency despite inhumanely and indiscriminately killing thousands of animals...
Trump administration proposes gutting environmental protections
The U.S. Forest Service has proposed a rule to overhaul its environmental analysis procedures under the National Environmental Policy Act, which will dramatically curtail the role the public and science play in land management decisions on 193 million acres of national forest lands across the country. Find our analysis here.
