politics
March 16, 2026
Greens blast Trump plan to ease endangered species rules
Environmentalist and conservationist organizations are lambasting the Trump administration for considering circumventing the Endangered Species Act to clear a pathway for increased offshore oil and gas drilling in the Gulf of America, a move they claim violates federal law.
TL;DR
- Environmental groups are criticizing the Trump administration's plan to potentially circumvent the Endangered Species Act for offshore oil and gas drilling in the Gulf of America.
- The Endangered Species Committee, or 'God Squad,' will convene on March 31 to consider exemptions for oil and gas exploration, development, and production.
- Conservationists fear this could significantly reduce protections for endangered species like Rice's whales and sea turtles, potentially leading to their extinction.
- Groups like the Center for Biological Diversity and Earthjustice argue the move is illegal and a handout to the oil and gas industry.
- The administration has previously prioritized expanding fossil fuel production.
- Despite the administration's efforts, a recent offshore lease sale in the Gulf garnered the fewest bids since 2017.
- The 'God Squad' has a history of granting limited exemptions, and its meetings are legally required to be public, though livestreaming is criticized as limiting input.
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