1. United States
2. Okla.
3. Letter

I'm asking you to oppose the March 31st decision by the Endangered Species Committee to exempt Gulf of Mexico oil and gas operations from the Endangered Species Act. This unprecedented action threatens species on the brink of extinction and violates the proper legal process. The exemption puts the Rice's whale at catastrophic risk. Only 51 remain in the wild, and scientists warn that a single vessel strike killing one breeding female could doom the species to extinction. The decision also threatens sperm whales, two species of endangered sea turtles, and manatees. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth cited national security concerns, but according to Professor Pat Parenteau of Vermont Law School, no lawsuits are currently blocking Gulf development and no injunctions exist against it. The God Squad was created as a last resort mechanism, to be used only after all other efforts have been exhausted and when there's an irreconcilable conflict with national security. None of those statutory requirements have been met here. Simple protections like requiring boats to watch for whales and reduce speed don't significantly impede development. If this decision stands, it sets a dangerous precedent that could be applied to resource extraction affecting endangered species anywhere in the country. We don't have to choose between energy and extinction. I'm counting on you to challenge this decision.