As the Trump administration wages war on Iran, it's citing national security to seek an exemption from the Endangered Species Act for expanded oil and gas drilling in the Gulf of Mexico. Environmental groups say it could set a dangerous precedent for future fossil fuel projects.
Environmentalists argue the government hasn’t followed proper procedure and they're seeking to block the move before Interior Secretary Doug Burgum convenes the Endangered Species Committee on 31 March. The committee, nicknamed the 'God Squad' by groups who say it can determine the fate of a species, is comprised of six high-ranking federal officials plus a representative for states involved.
