Trump Administration's God Squad Exempts Gulf Drilling From Endangered Species Act

The God Squad voted unanimously to exempt all oil and gas drilling in the Gulf of Mexico from ESA protections.

The committee invoked national security based on Defense Secretary Hegseth's request.

ABC News

The exemption applies to the entire Gulf, a move never before taken on this scale.

The Rice's whale is one of the world's rarest whale species, found only in the Gulf of Mexico.

Fewer than 100 individuals remain.

AP News

Scientists warned that more drilling could increase vessel strikes, noise pollution, and oil spills.

Hegseth framed the exemption as a national security imperative.

“By Nichola Groom An American federal commission, which met for the first time in more than thirty years, voted unanimously on Tuesday in favor of a waiver to the Endangered Species Act aimed at protecting endangered species, including whales, birds and sea turtles, for Gulf of Mexico offshore oil and gas drilling companies”

Boursorama

Interior Secretary Burgum linked the decision to the Iran war's impact on global oil supplies.

It was the first God Squad meeting in over three decades.

The exemption came despite ongoing environmental litigation.

Conservation groups vowed to challenge the decision in court.

CNN

They warned it would expose the Gulf to devastating oil spills.