The Trump administration is moving to exempt oil and gas drilling in the Gulf of Mexico from protections under the Endangered Species Act. A federal panel, known as the “God Squad” due to its power over species’ fate, will consider the exemptions.
The Endangered Species Committee, comprised of senior federal agency leaders, voted to allow oil and gas operations to proceed despite potential harm to protected species. These include whales, birds, and sea turtles.
The administration cites national security concerns as justification for overriding provisions of the decades-old law. The move could impact dozens of protected species, potentially allowing expanded industry operations throughout the Gulf of Mexico.
Officials aim to exempt all federally regulated offshore oil from endangered species protections.