If these whales go extinct, we’ll know who to blame
By Benji Jones
Published on March 31, 2026.
The endangered Rice's whale, a rare and elusive marine mammal that is on the verge of extinction in the Gulf of Mexico, was listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act in 2019 under President Donald Trump's first term. The law makes killing or harming the animals illegal, with some exceptions, and requires federal agencies to ensure that their actions won't threaten species with ESA protection. However, the new Trump administration has shown its ability to override these laws, particularly if animals live in areas with an active oil and gas industry. The panel of top Trump officials, led by the Interior Secretary, voted unanimously to exempt oil and natural gas activity in the gulf from ESA protections. This is the first time the "God Squad" has granted an exemption on the grounds of national security.
Related Articles
Volunteers collect over 125,000 of pieces of plastic waste from New Jersey beaches
Volunteers in New Jersey collect over 125,000 pieces of plastic waste each year, highlighting the persistent issue of plastic and other plastic waste in our environment.
Medical Tests, Microbiology Top Research Schedule Aboard Station - NASA
The Expedition 74 crew members on board the International Space Station focused on medical tests, microbiology, cargo consolidation, and safety testing, with significant focus on spacesuits and other facilities.
Meet the 'God Squad,' the U.S.'s Powerful Endangered Species Panel
The US's powerful Endangered Species Panel, known as the “God Squad” for its secretive decisions, approved an exemption for oil and gas drilling in the Gulf of Mexico for national security reasons.