The Endangered Species Committee, often referred to as the “God Squad,” voted on Tuesday to allow oil and gas drilling in the Gulf of Mexico without considering the impact on critical species, including the Rice’s whale.

What is the ‘God Squad’?

The “God Squad” is a panel of six high-ranking federal officials with the authority to grant exemptions to the Endangered Species Act. This committee earned its nickname due to its power to determine the fate of endangered species. As Pat Parenteau, an emeritus law professor at Vermont Law School, explained, “It literally has the power of life or death…It can grant an exemption that would actually result in the extinction of a species.”

Rare Exemptions and National Security Claims

Exemptions to the Endangered Species Act are exceedingly rare. Tuesday’s vote marked only the fourth time in history the committee has voted to grant an exemption, and the first time based on national security grounds. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth requested the exemption for all oil and gas exploration in the Gulf of Mexico last week.

Hegseth argued that environmental lawsuits aimed at protecting endangered species, such as the Rice’s whale, pose a national security threat. These lawsuits seek to reduce boat speeds to prevent whale strikes and limit seismic air gun activity that disrupts whale communication. He stated that these legal battles “waste critical government resources and make it impossible for energy companies to plan and invest in new projects.”

Threats to the Rice’s Whale

The Rice’s whale, with a population of just 50, is uniquely vulnerable. A federal study revealed that the 2011 Deepwater Horizon oil spill killed approximately 17% of the whale population, despite occurring outside their primary habitat. Other endangered species in the Gulf, including sea turtles, manatees, and whooping cranes, also face risks.

Justification and Concerns

Officials cited the ongoing conflict with Iran and disruptions to global oil supplies as justification for the exemption. They argued that increased US oil production is necessary for national security. However, energy analysts have noted that increased domestic drilling alone cannot resolve global energy issues.

Hegseth emphasized, “Disruptions to Gulf oil production doesn’t just hurt us; it benefits our adversaries…We cannot allow our own rules to weaken our standing and strengthen those who wish to harm us.”

Legal Challenges Expected

Environmental groups have vowed to challenge the administration’s decision in court. Drew Caputo, vice president of litigation at Earthjustice, stated, “There’s no rational way to claim that national security interests require vaporizing the Endangered Species Act in the Gulf of Mexico.” He further argued that existing oil and gas development is not currently hindered by the Endangered Species Act.

Legal experts, including Parenteau, believe the administration’s rationale is weak and unlikely to withstand legal scrutiny. He stated, “This is too good to be true from a litigation standpoint; this is the worst possible basis they could have come up with.”