JANUARY 28: President Donald Trump has revived a controversial committee nicknamed the “God Squad” through an executive order this week, potentially endangering countless protected species by fast-tracking energy projects across the United States. The move, part of a broader “energy emergency” declaration, marks one of the most significant challenges to the Endangered Species Act since its inception in 1973.
The executive order mandates the Endangered Species Committee – formally known as the “God Squad” – to meet quarterly, dramatically increasing its historically rare convenings. Environmental experts warn this unprecedented frequency could accelerate the decline of numerous threatened species, from the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale to the golden-cheeked warbler.
“This executive order essentially hands a loaded gun to the fossil fuel industry,” said Gib Brogan, campaign director at Oceana. “There is no energy emergency – this is a manufactured crisis that could have devastating consequences for America’s most vulnerable species.”
The committee, comprising seven high-ranking federal officials, holds extraordinary power to exempt projects from environmental regulations, even when such projects might lead to species extinction. Historically, this power has been exercised with extreme caution, meeting only three times since its creation.
Dr. Sarah Martinez, a wildlife biologist at the Environmental Defense Fund, explains the gravity of the situation: “The ‘God Squad’ earned its nickname because it literally has the power to determine which species live or die. Increasing its meeting frequency to four times a year is unprecedented and deeply concerning.”
The executive order specifically targets what it terms “obstacles to domestic energy infrastructure,” explicitly identifying the Endangered Species Act as a barrier to development. This characterization has drawn sharp criticism from conservation groups and legal experts.
“We’re witnessing a fundamental dismantling of America’s environmental safeguards,” said Andrew Bowman, president of Defenders of Wildlife. “The administration is effectively saying that corporate profits matter more than preventing extinction.”
The order’s impact could be particularly severe for marine species. The North Atlantic right whale, with fewer than 400 individuals remaining, faces increased threats from expanded offshore drilling and shipping activities. Similarly, the Rice’s whale, one of the world’s most endangered marine mammals, could face additional pressures from increased Gulf of Mexico energy development.
Industry supporters, however, argue the changes are necessary for economic growth. Brent Bennett, energy policy director at the Texas Public Policy Foundation, defended the order: “These environmental regulations have created unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles that delay crucial energy infrastructure projects. This streamlining is long overdue.”
The administration’s move arrives amid a broader rollback of environmental protections, including:
- Withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement
- Reopening of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge for oil and gas leasing
- Reversal of the previous administration’s “30 by 30” conservation initiative
Legal challenges are expected
Environmental law experts suggest the administration’s aggressive approach could face significant obstacles in court. “The Endangered Species Act requires scientific evidence to support any exemption,” explained Patricia Rodriguez, an environmental law professor at Georgetown University. “Simply declaring an energy emergency doesn’t override these statutory requirements.”
Conservation groups are already preparing legal countermeasures. The Natural Resources Defense Council announced plans to challenge the executive order, arguing it violates both the letter and spirit of the Endangered Species Act.
Meanwhile, climate scientists warn that weakening species protections could exacerbate the impacts of climate change on wildlife. “Many of these species are already struggling with habitat loss and warming temperatures,” said Dr. James Chen, climate scientist at the National Climate Assessment. “Removing protections now could push them past the point of no return.”
References:
Trump resurrects ‘God Squad’ to bend the ESA, E&E News, 23 January 2025
President Trump’s Day-One Actions Will Decimate Wildlife Habitat, Animal Welfare Institute, 23 January 2025
Could Trump Use the ‘God Squad’ to Override Environmental Law?, NY Times, 28 January 2025
