A rarely used federal panel with the authority to override endangered species protections has approved a request from the Trump administration to expand oil and gas drilling in the Gulf of Mexico, as the White House moves to accelerate domestic production in line with its “drill, baby, drill” agenda, with officials pointing to geopolitical tensions and energy supply risks. Scientists and environmental groups say the decision could push already vulnerable marine species closer to extinction, including the Rice’s whale, a species with fewer than 50 individuals remaining.
