The Trump administration is invoking a rarely used 'God Squad' panel to potentially override Endangered Species Act protections for all Gulf of Mexico fossil fuel operations, citing national security concerns. This could exempt oil and gas activities from environmental regulations despite risks to critically endangered species like whales and sea turtles. The move follows a failed legal challenge from conservation groups and represents a significant escalation in environmental policy conflicts.
Background
The Endangered Species Act is a US law protecting threatened species and their habitats, while the 'God Squad' is an obscure committee with power to exempt projects from these protections. Recent administrations have increasingly invoked national security arguments to advance energy projects.
- Source
- Ars Technica
- Published
- Mar 30, 2026 at 09:30 PM
- Score
- 7.0 / 10