https://www.npr.org/2026/03/30/nx-s1-5745926/endangered-species-committee-hegseth-security
U.S. could exempt oil industry from protecting Gulf animals, for 'national security'
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, citing "reasons of national security," has triggered a meeting this week that could exempt the oil and gas industry in the Gulf of Mexico from requirements of the Endangered Species Act, a move that would lift protections for endangered whales, turtles and other animals threatened with extinction.
The news, revealed in court filings last week, astonished environmental lawyers, who were already shocked after the Department of the Interior announced two weeks ago that a meeting to discuss an exemption would take place on March 31.
A gathering of the six-person committee, nicknamed the "God Squad" for its power to make life-or-death decisions about endangered animals, has only happened before after extensive prior consultation with environmental agencies and months of public notice.
both hegseth and trump need to be impeached for reasons of national security.