‘God squad’ waives endangered species law to allow US drilling in Gulf of Mexico

The Endangered Species Committee voted Tuesday to exempt oil and gas drilling in the Gulf of Mexico from protections under the Endangered Species Act, marking the federal panel's first action in more than three decades. Critics argue the exemption exploits what they characterize as a "self-made gas crisis" at the White House and could jeopardize the Rice's whale, a rare marine species, along with other Gulf wildlife. The move represents a significant rollback of environmental protections that have governed offshore drilling operations since 1973. Environmental groups say the exemption prioritizes energy production over species conservation at a time when the Rice's whale population remains critically endangered. The committee's revival after 30+ years of inactivity signals a major shift in the Trump administration's approach to balancing energy development with environmental safeguards.