Rice's whale

The Endangered Species Committee, often referred to as the 'God Squad,' is a US government panel with the authority to grant exemptions from the Endangered Species Act (ESA). This committee, rarely convened, is newsworthy due to its recent decision regarding oil and gas drilling in the Gulf of Mexico. The committee approved a request to exempt these activities from the ESA, potentially impacting endangered species. This decision is significant because it could negatively affect marine life, particularly the critically endangered Rice's whale, and other protected species like whooping cranes and sea turtles. Critics argue that prioritizing oil and gas expansion over environmental protection sets a concerning precedent and undermines the ESA's purpose. The decision was made under the premise of protecting national security by expanding oil and gas industry operations.