"As the Trump administration prepares to convene the Endangered Species Committee, also known as the Extinction Committee or the “God Squad,” conservation groups are expressing anger over what they call an “illegal end-run around” that doesn’t seem to be following clear procedures set forth in the law. The committee is planning to discuss exemptions for Gulf of Mexico oil and gas activities from the requirements of the Endangered Species Act.
The Center for Biological Diversity points out that offshore drilling in the Gulf could doom America’s only endemic whale — the entire population of Rice’s whales, about 51 whales, live only in the Gulf — and sea turtles that depend on Gulf beaches for nesting.
The committee is rarely invoked and last convened under George H.W. Bush. It is so rarely called upon because it can meet only in narrow circumstances under the law.
The law sets forth a complex, multi-step process for meetings of the God Squad. It can convene only within 90 days of the completion of a Biological Opinion that both finds jeopardy and determines there are no reasonable alternatives. The Interior Secretary must also determine that the applicant acted in good faith, completed required assessments, and avoided irreversible resource commitments. There are specific timing and notice requirements."
National Parks Traveler had the story March 16, 2026.
SEE ALSO:
"Trump’s ‘God Squad’ Looks To Ease ESA Rules in Gulf of Mexico" (E&E News)
"Administration to Convene ‘God Squad’ With Power to Override Environmental Law" (New York Times)
