US Edition
Trump’s ‘God Squad’ pits energy vs. endangered species, but it’s a false choice – protecting wildlife can be good for business
The committee may grant exemptions to the Endangered Species Act to remove obstacles to domestic energy projects, citing national security and economic interests, according to court filings.
- For the first time in over 30 years, President Donald Trump will convene the 'God Squad' on March 31 to potentially override the Endangered Species Act.
- Convening the committee follows President Trump's January 2025 executive order declaring a 'national energy emergency' and directing the Endangered Species Act Committee to identify infrastructure obstacles.
- In a court document, the government wrote that the "Secretary of War found it necessary for reasons of national security" to exempt Gulf of America oil and gas exploration activities.
- The seven-member committee requires five votes to authorize exemptions and has gathered only three times in its existence, previously considering exemptions for the Tellico Dam and Grayrocks Dam.
- Experts at the University of Illinois Chicago Energy Resources Center argue that integrating ecological principles into infrastructure projects is "shown to be good business" and avoids delays and costs.
38 Articles
38 Articles
Trump’s “God Squad” Might Vote for a Whale’s Extinction This Week
On Tuesday morning, a group of federal officials will gather at 18th and C Streets in Washington, D.C., to perform a task usually reserved for the divine. They will sit in a conference room and decide which species are permitted to continue existing on Earth, and which have become too great an inconvenience to the extraction of oil and gas.Inside the Beltway, they call this group the “God Squad”—and for good reason. Officially known as the Endan…
The Conversation
Trump’s ‘God Squad’ pits energy vs. endangered species, but it’s a false choice – protecting wildlife can be good for business
Boat strikes can harm or kill whales and are one concern about the oil industry's environmental impact. Robyn Beck/AFP via Getty ImagesThere’s a well-worn debate in U.S. politics that goes something like this: Would you rather have abundant and affordable energy or a clean, healthy planet where wildlife can flourish? It sounds like an either/or choice, but it doesn’t have to be. Many corporate leaders, including those I’ve worked with, know that…
Judge won't block meeting that could exempt Gulf drilling from Endangered Species Act
A judge ruled Friday that the Trump administration can convene a meeting next week to seek an exemption from the Endangered Species Act on the basis of national security for expanded oil and gas drilling in the Gulf of Mexico.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 46% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
