1. United States
2. N.Y.
3. Letter

Vote to overturn the Endangered Species Committee's exemption for oil and gas drilling in the Gulf of Mexico. This decision puts Rice's whale on a path to extinction, with only 50 individuals remaining. Sacrificing an entire species for drilling expansion is unacceptable. The justification for this exemption doesn't hold up. The Gulf already produces 2 million barrels daily, 15% of U.S. crude production. We don't need to waive environmental protections to maintain energy security. Gas prices crossed $4 per gallon despite this drilling expansion, proving that more Gulf drilling won't solve our energy challenges. The Endangered Species Committee hasn't met in over three decades for good reason. Convening the so-called God Squad to greenlight extinction sets a dangerous precedent. If we're willing to exempt one species for economic convenience, what's next? This undermines the entire framework of environmental protection that has saved countless species from disappearing forever. I expect you to use every tool available to reverse this exemption and protect Rice's whale from extinction.