‘God Squad’ Waives Environmental Rules for Drilling in the Gulf of Mexico
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The Bottom Line
Trump administration panel overrode federal environmental protections to allow oil and gas drilling in the Gulf of Mexico.
How This Affects You
This exemption may accelerate offshore drilling near critically endangered whale populations, potentially affecting marine ecosystems and long-term ocean health.
AI Summary
A panel known as the "God Squad" voted to override Endangered Species Act restrictions on oil and gas drilling in the Gulf of Mexico, clearing the way for energy development in waters home to critically endangered whales and other protected species. The exemption allows drilling activities to proceed despite potential harm to wildlife that would normally trigger federal environmental protections. The move represents a significant relaxation of environmental safeguards in one of the nation's most biologically sensitive marine ecosystems. The decision reflects the Trump administration's broader push to prioritize energy development and reduce regulatory barriers to domestic oil and gas production. The Gulf of Mexico is already a major drilling region, and this action removes a key legal obstacle that environmental groups and marine protection advocates had relied on to challenge new drilling projects.
What's Being Done
The administration's Endangered Species Commission voted to override Endangered Species Act restrictions on oil and gas activities.
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‘God Squad’ Waives Environmental Rules for Drilling in the Gulf of Mexico - The New York Times
‘God squad’ waives endangered species law to allow US drilling in Gulf of Mexico
Trump’s ‘God Squad’ exempts Gulf oil drilling from Endangered Species Act requirements
Trump Calls on “God Squad” to Bypass Endangered Species Laws for Offshore Drilling
Federal “God Squad” Votes to Override Endangered Species Laws for Offshore Drilling
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EnvironmentTrump to revoke protections for endangered species in Gulf of Mexico
<p>President is convening so-called ‘God squad’ to override provisions of Endangered Species Act for ‘national security’</p><p>Donald Trump is <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/03/16/2026-05242/endangered-species-committee-meeting-announcement">dispatching</a> a so-called “God squad” of top officials to revoke protections for endangered species in the Gulf of Mexico, purportedly to protect national security by expanding oil and gas industry operations.</p><p>If successful, the administration may kill off dozens of protected species – from Rice’s whales and whooping cranes to sea turtles.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/mar/30/trump-protections-endangered-species-gulf-of-mexico">Continue reading...</a>
EnvironmentKey committee votes to exempt oil and gas activity in Gulf of Mexico from Endangered Species Act
The Endangered Species Committee voted Tuesday to exempt oil and gas activity in the Gulf of Mexico from the Endangered Species Act protections. CBS News' Shanelle Kaul has more.
EnvironmentTrump's Endangered Species Committee exempts oil and gas drilling in the Gulf from rules
Critics say the move could doom a rare whale species and harm other marine life. Nicknamed the "God Squad" by groups who say it can decide a species' fate, the committee comprises several Trump administration officials.
PoliticsTrump administration seeks Endangered Species Act exemption for oil, gas projects in Gulf - AP News
<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMingFBVV95cUxNYlZqbGI1UTEtdHhCeXNKRkhzWVo1ZUlHclF0SDE4VXA4cFc4X1VRVG9neEFNMnNaVjFUeFZvNkJUSnJZYjNOWDFrbmZPa0NHaU4yaU1fODFfMVYxblRBbmNDSXl2eXdPVVd5eE5FNzkyekt5cDF0bWJVQnQ3VzNWZ0phVVZNZnNCN2pBZG1jU0t1Z245MENobmtQcUxRZw?oc=5" target="_blank">Trump administration seeks Endangered Species Act exemption for oil, gas projects in Gulf</a> <font color="#6f6f6f">AP News</font>
EnvironmentUS exempts Gulf of Mexico drillers from protecting endangered species - Reuters
National SecurityU.S. could exempt oil industry from protecting Gulf animals, for 'national security'
National security has never been used to call a meeting of the "God Squad." But other federal agencies have been citing the "energy emergency" to avoid rules meant to protect endangered animals.
Federal “God Squad” Votes to Override Endangered Species Laws for Offshore Drilling
This story was originally published by Inside Climate News and is reproduced here as part of the Climate Desk collaboration. Update, March 31: The “God Squad” has indeed voted to override endangered species protections in the Gulf. The Trump administration is turning to the nuclear option on endangered-species protections in the name of national security. A rarely tapped panel […]
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