Trump's 'God Squad' pits energy vs. endangered species, but it's a false choice - protecting wildlife can be good for...

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Trump’s ‘God Squad’ pits energy vs. endangered species, but it’s a false choice – protecting wildlife can be good for business
Published: March 28, 2026 8:07am EDT

Dan Salas
Director of the Sustainable Landscapes Program, University of Illinois Chicago


(The Conversation) There’s a well-worn debate in U.S. politics that goes something like this: Would you rather have abundant and affordable energy or a clean, healthy planet where wildlife can flourish?

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That’s worth remembering as the Trump administration prepares to convene, for the first time in over 30 years, a special committee known as the “God Squad” that has the power to override one of the nation’s most important environmental protection laws: the Endangered Species Act of 1973.

What is the God Squad?

The Endangered Species Act requires that federal agencies avoid any action that is likely to jeopardize the continued existence of any species listed under the act. That includes federal permits for development, mining, drilling or logging.

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That committee – the God Squad – includes seven members, and a vote may succeed only if five or more committee members agree. The six permanent members are the secretaries of the interior, agriculture and Army; the chairman of the Council of Economic Advisors, and the administrators of the Environmental Protection Agency and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The seventh member of the committee is a designated individual from the affected state or states. ...................(more)

https://theconversation.com/trumps-god-squad-pits-energy-vs-endangered-species-but-its-a-false-choice-protecting-wildlife-can-be-good-for-business-279433