Stop the Rollback of Endangered Species Protections in the Gulf of Mexico

The Trump administration has taken an unprecedented step to override protections under the Endangered Species Act in the Gulf of Mexico, clearing the way for expanded oil and gas activity in one of the most important areas of U.S. waters in terms of biodiversity. By invoking a rarely used “national security” loophole, officials have effectively sidelined one of our nation’s strongest wildlife protection laws and put vulnerable marine species at risk.

This decision could impact at least 21 threatened or endangered species, including sea turtles, sharks, corals, and whales that rely on the Gulf for survival. Among them is the critically endangered Rice’s whale, a species found nowhere else on Earth, with fewer than 100 individuals left, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Increased drilling, ship traffic, seismic testing, and the risk of oil spills all threaten these animals and the fragile habitats they depend on.

Even more concerning, this sweeping exemption was granted without full transparency or meaningful public input. Key safeguards like scientific review, public comment, and proper representation on the decision-making committee appear to have been bypassed. This comes at a time when many Gulf species are still recovering from past industrial disasters like the Deepwater Horizon oil spill and facing growing pressure from climate change and expanding offshore development. Weakening protections now could push already struggling species closer to extinction.

Please join Species Unite in calling on Congress to investigate and halt the misuse of the Endangered Species Act’s national security exemption, restore full protections for endangered marine life in the Gulf of Mexico, and ensure this critical law cannot be bypassed without transparency, scientific evidence, and public accountability

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Tell Congress: Stop the Rollback of Endangered Species Protections in the Gulf of Mexico

Please join Species Unite in calling on Congress to investigate and halt the misuse of the Endangered Species Act’s national security exemption, restore full protections for endangered marine life in the Gulf of Mexico, and ensure this critical law cannot be bypassed without transparency, scientific evidence, and public accountability.

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Species Unite is a non-profit tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Our Tax ID/EIN# is 84-2789675. Gifts made to Species Unite are considered deductible as charitable contributions under federal income, estate, and gift tax laws.