Federal ‘God squad’ exempts oil and gas drilling in Gulf of Mexico from endangered species rules
#God squad #oil and gas drilling #Gulf of Mexico #endangered species #exemption #federal committee #environmental protection #energy security
📌 Key Takeaways
- A federal committee known as the 'God squad' has granted an exemption for oil and gas drilling in the Gulf of Mexico from certain endangered species protections.
- This decision allows drilling activities to proceed despite potential risks to protected marine species.
- The exemption is based on economic and energy security considerations, prioritizing industry interests over environmental safeguards.
- The move is likely to face legal challenges and criticism from environmental groups concerned about species conservation.
📖 Full Retelling
<p>Critics say exemption exploits White House’s ‘self-made gas crisis’, and could doom the rare Rice’s whale</p><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/news/2026/feb/17/sign-up-for-the-breaking-news-us-email-to-get-newsletter-alerts-direct-to-your-inbox?utm_medium=ACQUISITIONS_STANDFIRST&utm_campaign=BN22326&utm_content=signup&utm_term=standfirst&utm_source=GUARDIAN_WEB">Sign up for the Breaking News US email to get news
🏷️ Themes
Environmental Policy, Energy Industry
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Original Source
<p>Critics say exemption exploits White House’s ‘self-made gas crisis’, and could doom the rare Rice’s whale</p><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/news/2026/feb/17/sign-up-for-the-breaking-news-us-email-to-get-newsletter-alerts-direct-to-your-inbox?utm_medium=ACQUISITIONS_STANDFIRST&utm_campaign=BN22326&utm_content=signup&utm_term=standfirst&utm_source=GUARDIAN_WEB">Sign up for the Breaking News US email to get news
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