President Donald Trump has set his sights on increasing domestic lumber production. However, this goal may come at the cost of environmental protections. In particular, the administration is considering using the rare “God Squad” to bypass rules meant to protect endangered species. This committee has the power to approve projects that harm protected species if they offer significant economic benefits.
Expanding Logging on Public Lands
President Donald Trump has signed several executive orders aiming to boost logging in the U.S. The orders direct federal agencies to find ways to increase lumber production while sidestepping environmental regulations. Trump has also declared a national energy emergency, prompting regular reviews of projects affected by the Endangered Species Act (ESA).
The ESA, passed to protect species at risk of extinction, limits activities that could harm these species or their habitats. It impacts industries like logging, mining, and energy production. For instance, the Marine Mammal Protection Act restricts the killing of marine mammals, except in rare cases. Trump’s plan to increase logging threatens to challenge these protections.
What is the ‘God Squad’?
The Endangered Species Committee, often called the “God Squad,” was created in 1978. It gives exceptions to the ESA for certain projects. The seven-member panel includes officials from key federal agencies, such as the Department of the Interior and the Environmental Protection Agency. If a project is deemed to have significant economic benefits, the God Squad can approve it, even if it harms endangered species.
However, the God Squad’s power is not unlimited. To approve a project, five out of the seven members must agree. This is not a quick process. It can only be used after a formal environmental review. Law professor Patrick Parenteau explains, “Trump cannot legally use the God Squad preemptively.” This means the committee can’t be used to bypass protections without first reviewing the project’s environmental impact.
A Rarely Used Power
Since its creation, the God Squad has only been used twice. The first instance was when the committee approved a dam project that threatened the whooping crane, an endangered species. While the project was allowed to proceed, the committee later added protections for the cranes. The second use was for a logging project in the habitat of the spotted owl, another endangered species. After legal challenges, the exemption was withdrawn.
Despite its limited use, the God Squad remains a powerful tool for bypassing environmental protections. It could become a key part of Trump’s efforts to deregulate industries like logging, mining, and energy production. Environmental advocates are concerned that the committee might be used more frequently to allow projects that harm endangered species.
Legal Challenges and Environmental Concerns
Environmental groups are already preparing legal action against any misuse of the God Squad. These groups argue that using the committee to bypass the ESA would set a dangerous precedent. Such a move could undermine the progress made in protecting endangered species and their habitats.
This controversy has also sparked debates about the role of environmental protections in the face of economic pressures. Supporters of the God Squad argue that balancing economic growth with environmental impact is necessary. Critics, however, believe that species protections should not be sacrificed for short-term economic benefits.
The Future of Environmental Protections
The potential use of the God Squad could mark a turning point in the ongoing battle between economic development and environmental protection. If the Trump administration succeeds in expanding logging and other industries without adequate protections for endangered species, it could have lasting effects on the environment and industries that depend on these resources.
Environmental groups, legal experts, and policymakers are closely monitoring the situation. Their goal is to ensure that the long-standing protections for endangered species are not weakened in favor of economic growth.
The future of the Endangered Species Act and the God Squad’s role in protecting species is likely to be a central issue in the coming months. As President Trump pushes for deregulation and increased logging on public lands, the balance between economic development and environmental preservation will remain a key topic of debate. The outcome will shape U.S. environmental policies for years to come.
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