1. United States
2. Fla.
3. Letter

I am writing to express my serious concerns about a recent decision by the Endangered Species Committee to exempt oil and gas drilling activities in the Gulf of Mexico from key environmental protections. This action, reportedly taken at the request of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, revives a rarely used process that has not been invoked in decades and risks setting a dangerous precedent. The Gulf of Mexico is home to the critically endangered Rice’s whale, with fewer than 100 individuals remaining. This species exists nowhere else on Earth and is already under severe threat from vessel strikes, industrial noise, and habitat disruption. Weakening environmental safeguards in such a sensitive region could push this species closer to extinction. Federal law has long recognized the importance of protecting endangered species, and agencies are obligated to implement these protections faithfully. Congress plays a vital role in ensuring that these responsibilities are upheld. Through oversight, appropriations, and legislative action, you have the authority to review and respond to policies that may undermine environmental protections and biodiversity. I urge you to take action to ensure that offshore drilling policies do not come at the expense of critically endangered species. Please work to uphold existing environmental laws, strengthen protections where necessary, and ensure that decisions affecting vulnerable ecosystems are guided by sound science and long-term stewardship. Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.