U.S. exempts oil industry from protecting Gulf animals, for 'national security' (March 31, 2026 )
Updated March 31, 2026 — The Trump administration recently granted the oil and gas industry a broad exemption from the Endangered Species Act for operations within the Gulf of Mexico. A high-level federal committee, often called the "God Squad," reached a unanimous decision to prioritize national security and domestic energy production over environmental regulations. This controversial move effectively strips away protections for several vulnerable marine animals, including the critically endangered Rice’s whale, which has a population of only about 50 individuals. Conservation groups have filed lawsuits challenging the decision, arguing that the security concerns are fabricated and that the industry can easily coexist with wildlife through simple safety measures. The ruling is part of a broader shift in federal policy aimed at accelerating offshore drilling by reducing the legal hurdles associated with wildlife conservation. Experts warn that this precedent could lead to the extinction of unique species by allowing industrial activity to proceed without oversight in sensitive habitats.
| https://www.npr.org/2026/03/30/nx-s1-5745926/endangered-species-committee-hegseth-security |