Settlement Reached to Protect Native Hawaiian Seabirds
Earthjustice represented the Conservation Council for Hawaiʻi and Center for Biological Diversity in a lawsuit against the Grand Wailea Resort to protect Hawaiian petrel (‘ua’u) from injury and death caused by the bright lights at the resort. The suit argued that the Endangered Species Act prohibits harm to the ʻuaʻu, unless the property owner secures a federal permit that includes measures to minimize danger and to help protect nesting colonies.
Under a settlement reached in August, Grand Wailea will obtain the federal permit. Until then, it will contribute monthly to projects benefiting ʻuaʻu in Maui County. The resort will also reduce the brightness and intensity of its outdoor lighting and will step up efforts to search for downed birds on its property.
Photo Credit: Brett Nainoa Mossman
Sea Turtle Hatchlings Gain Protection Under Lighting Ordinances
Brightly lit beaches and parking lots pose risks both to nesting sea turtles and their hatchlings, who are instinctually compelled towards light sources. Sea Turtle Lighting Ordinances in Florida focus on reducing human light pollution seasonally along the state’s nesting beaches.
NWF, in partnership with the Sea Turtle Conservancy (STC), has engaged in a multi-year campaign to ensure sea turtle hatchlings have a fighting chance. In the last year, we have had two major successes in passing model ordinances in Escambia and Monroe counties. By using proper bulbs, shielding, architecture, and lighting, communities can enjoy wildlife-friendly night skies and ensure safer conditions for sea turtle hatchlings for future generations.
Photo Credit: Padre Island National Seashore Division of Sea Turtle Science and Recovery
NWF Saves Billions of Gallons of Water for Wildlife and People Through Lawsuit
In April 2024, a Travis County District Court Judge ruled in favor of the National Wildlife Federation, reversing the issuance of a water rights permit to the Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority (GBRA). The permit would have allowed GBRA to divert billions of gallons of publicly owned water from the Guadalupe River for sale to potential customers without adequately considering or limiting environmental harm.
NWF successfully argued that the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality failed to follow numerous requirements of state law before issuing the permit. During the hearing, NWF provided evidence of the types of species and habitats that would be harmed and argued that state law, including the agency’s own rules, requires TCEQ to consider and assess such impacts.
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Neumann