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.
Support Our Work!
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
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.
Pondera County, local landowners, conservationists sue EPA to protect Madison Aquifer from industrial wastewater injection
The Pondera County Commissioners filed litigation against the Environmental Protection Agency on Friday, June 12th challenging the agency’s decision to exempt a portion of the Madison Aquifer in the county from protections under the Safe Drinking Water Act. The...
Media advisory: NM rulemaking for Surface Water Permitting Program 6/8-6/18
In 2023, federal rollbacks stripped Clean Water Act protections from 95% of New Mexico’s streams and up to 88% of its wetlands. New Mexico responded by passing Senate Bill 21 to create its own surface water permitting program. Now, a rulemaking will take place June...
Conservation groups challenge Trump administration’s move to banish bison from public lands
Western Watersheds Project, represented by the Western Environmental Law Center, today appealed a decision by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to revoke American Prairie’s authority to graze bison on public lands in northeastern Montana—a move that conflicts with...




