Oppose Oil & Gas Drilling Exemptions That Threaten Endangered Species
A little-known federal panel known as the "Endangered Species Committee" — sometimes called the "God Squad" — has voted to exempt oil and gas drilling in the Gulf of Mexico from EPA regulations designed to protect endangered wildlife. This panel, which had not convened in over 30 years, was called into action at the request of Defense Secretary Hegseth, with the energy needs stemming from the Iran War cited as justification. Critics argue this rationale is a pretext that puts irreplaceable wildlife at serious risk.
Among the species most threatened by this decision is the Rice's whale, one of the rarest whales on Earth. Fewer than 100 individuals are believed to exist, and the Gulf of Mexico is their only known habitat. Already vulnerable to vessel strikes, underwater noise, and offshore industrial disruption, these whales could be pushed to extinction if robust environmental protections are stripped away. Federal agencies have long recognized the Rice's whale as critically endangered under U.S. law.
Congress has real power here. Through legislation, appropriations, and oversight authority, lawmakers can push back against expanded offshore drilling, restrict harmful leasing policies, and ensure that federal agencies continue to enforce species protections as required by existing environmental law. The exemption granted by the God Squad is not a done deal — elected representatives can and should act.
Your call matters. Urge your representative to stand up for critically endangered species like the Rice's whale and oppose any regulatory exemptions that put short-term drilling interests ahead of irreversible ecological harm in the Gulf of Mexico.
View Call Scripts
Live Call Script
Hello, I am an assistant calling on behalf of a constituent, {{first_name}} {{last_name}} from {{city}}, {{state}} zip code {{zip_code}}. This call is regarding a recent decision by the Endangered Species Committee to exempt oil and gas drilling in the Gulf of Mexico from EPA regulations designed to protect endangered wildlife. This exemption puts critically endangered species like the Rice's whale — with fewer than 100 individuals left on Earth — at serious risk of extinction. The constituent is urging Representative {{representative_name}} to use every tool available — including legislation, appropriations, and oversight — to oppose this exemption and ensure that federal agencies continue to enforce protections for endangered species in the Gulf. This isn't just about one whale species. It's about whether short-term drilling interests are allowed to permanently destroy irreplaceable wildlife. The constituent hopes {{representative_name}} will take a strong stand on this issue.
Voicemail Version
I am calling on behalf of {{first_name}} {{last_name}}, a constituent from {{city}}, {{state}} {{zip_code}}. This message is to oppose the EPA regulation exemption for oil and gas drilling in the Gulf of Mexico, recently granted by the Endangered Species Committee. This exemption threatens critically endangered species like the Rice's whale, which has fewer than 100 individuals remaining and lives only in the Gulf. The constituent urges {{representative_name}} to use their legislative and oversight authority to fight this exemption and protect endangered wildlife. You may contact me at {{phone_number}} to discuss further.