ESA 'God Squad' exemption + zero listings + lab cuts + harm redef + CO wolf/NM T&E reviews + suits
Key Questions
What is the 'God Squad' in relation to the Endangered Species Act?
The 'God Squad' refers to the Endangered Species Committee, which can exempt projects from ESA protections. It recently convened to exempt Gulf energy projects from ESA consultation requirements, potentially endangering whales and turtles.
What is Trump's record on new endangered species listings?
The Trump administration listed a record low number of threatened species for protection, with zero new listings in his second term. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service faces a backlog of over 400 species awaiting review.
What changes were made to the definition of 'harm' under the ESA?
The Trump administration redefined 'harm' under the ESA, which dropped certain habitat protections for endangered species. A Bay Area judge ruled that these rules failed to adequately protect endangered species.
Why is the U.S. Forest Service closing 57 labs?
The U.S. Forest Service is closing 57 wildfire research stations as part of a major reorganization, even as fire risks escalate. This move has raised concerns about future wildfire management capabilities.
What is the status of the Colorado wolf reintroduction review?
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is conducting a formal review of Colorado's wolf reintroduction under section 10(j), with public comments due by June 5. The Endangered Species Coalition has condemned a related probe.
What review is New Mexico conducting for threatened and endangered species?
New Mexico is reviewing its list of 114 threatened and endangered species every two years, with public comments open until July 6. The review assesses species from climate impacts and other threats.
What lawsuits are mentioned involving endangered species?
Lawsuits include actions over the coal darter and Florida scrub-jay, as well as a tech entrepreneur suing to build in endangered species habitat. A separate suit challenged Trump-era ESA rules.
What Gulf exemption was granted by the Endangered Species Committee?
The Committee exempted offshore oil and gas operations in the Gulf from ESA requirements, pitting energy development against species protections like whales and turtles. Critics argue this puts species at high risk of extinction.
Trump zero new listings/400+ backlog; Gulf exemption endangers whales/turtles; 'harm' redef drops habitat; USFS 57 lab closures; FWS CO wolf 10(j) review (June 5 comments, ESC condemns probe); NM 114 T&E review (July 6 comments); coal darter/scrub-jay suits; GA taxes boost.