Robert oversees the implementation of Defenders’ national legislative and administrative priorities through legislative and grassroots advocacy, coalition participation and national environmental community coordination. He established Defenders’ Government Relations and External Affairs department in 1999. Key legislative accomplishments under Robert’s leadership include securing favorable provisions for wildlife in the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act, the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century, and the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Other significant accomplishments during his tenure include defending the Endangered Species Act from congressional assaults; protecting the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge from oil drilling; establishing a new Florida bear license plate; coordinating a successful Alaska ballot initiative; and spearheading policy and litigation initiatives to influence the management of national wildlife refuges and national forests, to help natural resources adapt to climate change and to improve transportation planning. Robert helps implement advocacy by Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund and oversees development of the group’s annual legislative Report Card. He serves on the Scorecard Advisory Committee of the League of Conservation Voters and on the board of several environmental collaborative initiatives and organizations.
 
Robert Dewey earned his B.A. from Colgate University and an M.S.L. from Vermont Law School.