‘God Squad’ Waives Environmental Rules for Drilling in the Gulf of Mexico - The New York Times

A group known as the "God Squad" has waived environmental rules to allow drilling in the Gulf of Mexico. The "God Squad" is the Cabinet-level Endangered Species Committee, which has authority to exempt projects from protections under the Endangered Species Act when economic or other considerations outweigh conservation concerns. The waiver permits drilling operations to proceed despite potential impacts on protected species or their habitats in the Gulf. This action reflects the Trump administration's push to prioritize energy development and economic activity over stricter environmental restrictions. The decision removes a regulatory barrier that environmental groups and conservation advocates had relied on to challenge or block offshore drilling projects.