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.
Two bills to restore clean water protections, safeguard drinking water pass first committee
Today, the Senate Conservation Committee voted 6-3 to pass both SB 21 and SB 22, a pair of bills that will provide critical protections for New Mexico waters. The bills are also assigned to the Senate Judiciary and Finance Committees before they move over to the House...
2025 NM legislative session presents great opportunity for environmental progress, water protection
The Western Environmental Law Center is encouraged and optimistic that the New Mexico legislature is considering a range of strong bills to safeguard our rich natural resources and climate, leverage the state’s power to protect water quality to account for federal...
New Mexico legislature faces urgent calls to further address climate change in 2025 session
Today, a coalition of environmental, social justice, and conservation advocates from across New Mexico expressed their strong support for Senate Pro Tem Mimi Stewart’s suite of bills that will take action on climate change: the Clear Horizons Act, the Community...
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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