Lunch + Legislation: Amanda Wight, Wildlife Protection Manager, HSUS, “Wolves in Michigan

While wolves in Michigan are protected under the federal Endangered Species Act, both federal and state lawmakers, backed by a large contingent of hunters, trappers, and farmers (although by no means all) are actively seeking to overturn federal ESA protections, … Continued

Endangered Species Act: Happy 50th Birthday at a Pivotal Moment

The Act reflects our democracy Zygmunt Plater, environmental law professor, Boston College, quoted in “50 years ago, Democrats and Republicans agreed to protect endangered species”Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA TODAY, December 28, 2023 President Richard Nixon signed the ESA into law 50 … Continued

Lunch + Legislation: Logan Christian, National Caucus of Environmental Legislators

Today we welcomed Logan and learned about a great resource for legislators — and advoates. The NCEL “empower[s] a nonpartisan network of state legislative champions. Created by and for state legislators, NCEL serves as a resource to lawmakers working to … Continued

Lunch + Legislation: Prof. John Vucetich, Academic, Researcher, Scientist … and Policy Wonk

His book Restoring the Balance: What wolves tell us about our relationship with nature will be published in paperback in Feb. 2024, and is available for pre-order now. Watch the interview here. I’ve come to understand that to no longer … Continued

Lunch + Legislation: Blake Goodman, HSUS Michigan Director, A Look at Lansing and Animal Legislation

Today we welcomed Blake Goodman, the Humane Society of the United States Michigan State Director. He talked about his role both as promoting legislation in Lansing and working with groups and individuals in the state who are doing direct animal … Continued

Lunch + Legislation with Nichole Keway Biber, LTBB of Odawa: Activist, Educator, Storyteller

Watch the complete interview. Nichole is a member of the Anishinaabek Caucus which acts to promote the interests and concerns of the Anishinaabek people. This June, she and other tribal members were invited to present at both the Senate and … Continued

“Wildlife Conservation Month” is Not About Wildlife

Images: Tina Nord | Pexels (owl); USFWS (beaver) Op Ed by AFA board member, Molly Tamulevich Earlier this month, Governor Whitmer issued a proclamation that July would be, “Wildlife Conservation Month” in Michigan. Unfortunately, the text of her proclamation is … Continued

Lunch + Legislation with Representative and Speaker Pro Tempore Laurie Pohutsky

Today we welcomed Michigan Representative Laurie Pohutsky who is Speaker Pro Tempore of the House and Chair of its Natural Resources, Enviromental, Tourism and Outdoor Recreation Committee. The Speaker Pro Tempore talked about her vision for the Committee as a … Continued

Important Themes in Animal Law and Policy: 2022 Annual List

We’ve been doing these lists since 2015 and it’s become something of an annual tradition. But it’s also important for animal advocates because this assessment brings perspective to our work. We often celebrate a victory for the animals to discover … Continued