A federal panel is set to consider exempting oil and gas drillers operating in the Gulf of Mexico from a decades-old law meant to protect endangered species. The committee, known as the "God Squad," has only met a handful of times since its creation in 1978. The meeting was requested by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, citing national security concerns. The exemption can be granted if the Defense Secretary deems it needed for national security reasons, a provision that has not been tested. The oil and g industry groups have not yet requested an exemption.