Trump's God Squad Moves to Exempt Gulf Drilling from Endangered Species Act
Key Takeaways
- God Squad to consider exempting Gulf drilling from Endangered Species Act citing national security.
- Exemption could roll back protections for Gulf endangered species, including Rice's whale.
- Interior Secretary Doug Burgum convenes rare Endangered Species Committee meeting to discuss exemptions.
God Squad Convenes
The Trump administration is convening the rarely used Endangered Species Committee, known as the 'God Squad.'
“Things to know about Rice's whale, rare species in way of Trump plans for more Gulf drilling One of the world’s rarest whales, the Rice's whale, is in the way of the Trump administration's desire to expand oil and gas drilling in the Gulf of Mexico One of the world’s rarest whales lives in only one place: the Gulf of Mexico, where the Trump administration wants to expand oil and gas drilling that scientists fear could push the giant mammal to extinction”
Defense Secretary Hegseth demanded an exemption for reasons of national security.
The committee includes six cabinet-level officials and is chaired by Interior Secretary Burgum.
Environmental groups warn this could doom several species, including the Rice's whale.
Rice's Whale at Risk
The principal species at stake is the Rice's whale, one of the world’s rarest whales.
Scientists estimate fewer than 51 individuals remain.
The whale and other wildlife are largely on the brink of extinction because of the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
Environmental Groups Sue
The Center for Biological Diversity filed an emergency lawsuit to prevent the meeting.
A federal judge ruled against the group, allowing the meeting to proceed.
Critics call the move a nuclear option.
War Pushes Energy Prices
The administration is pursuing Gulf drilling expansion amid soaring energy prices.
Oil production in the Gulf accounts for about 11% of US crude.
Nearly 7,000 active leases cover roughly 72,000 square miles.
More on Technology and Science
Google Launches Gmail Address Change Feature for US Users
24 sources compared
US-Israeli Bombing Campaign Kills 555 Iranians as War Spreads Across Gulf
10 sources compared
Supreme Court Strikes Colorado Conversion Therapy Ban in 8-1 Ruling
37 sources compared
Trump Administration's God Squad Exempts Gulf Drilling From Endangered Species Act
17 sources compared