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!
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PODCAST: STORIES OF KINSHIP
We envision a thriving, resilient future for western U.S. lands, waters, wildlife, and communities in the face of a changing climate. The Stories of Kinship podcast shares key updates as we we work toward this vision, connecting our efforts across subject matter and state lines. Click here to learn more and subscribe!
PODCAST: STORIES OF KINSHIP
We envision a thriving, resilient future for western U.S. lands, waters, wildlife, and communities in the face of a changing climate. The Stories of Kinship podcast shares key updates as we we work toward this vision, connecting our efforts across subject matter and state lines. Click here to learn more and subscribe!
Defending Wildlands
The 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 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 western communities, lands, rivers, and wildlife. But, as the saying goes, in every crisis lies opportunity.
Court: Expanded livestock grazing in grizzly habitat near Yellowstone violated law
Today, The U.S. District Court for the District of Montana found that the U.S. Forest Service violated the law when it authorized expanded livestock grazing on six allotments on the east side of Montana’s Paradise Valley in occupied grizzly bear habitat. The...
Gov’s office, NMED secretary improperly pressuring water commissioners to green-light fracking waste discharge to surface, groundwater
Newly revealed emails show the governor’s office and New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) Sec. James Kenney are inappropriately directing members of the New Mexico Water Quality Control Commission to advance an oil and gas industry proposal to allow the discharge...
Trump escalates war on nature with attack on Public Lands Rule
Today, the Trump Administration continued its ongoing attacks on America's public lands by directing the elimination of the widely supported Public Lands Rule. These actions mark a dramatic escalation in the administration’s assault on public lands, prioritizing...
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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