When National Security Meets Endangered Species: Uncharted Legal Territory in the Gulf of Mexico
Kim
April 3, 2026 update: The Endangered Species Committee met on March 31, 2026, and voted unanimously to exempt oil and gas activities in the Gulf of Mexico from the Endangered Species Act’s requirements, relying on a national security finding by the Secretary of Defense. That finding was based on the effects of litigation by environmental organizations, which the Secretary stated has caused uncertainty that threatens military operations and readiness.
Read EELP’s quick take explaining the...