Creation Justice Ministries Condemns Exemptions Given to Oil and Gas Drilling At the Expense of Endangered Species

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Avery Davis Lamb, [email protected], 785-217-6784

WASHINGTON — In response to the Endangered Species Committee meeting —famously known as the “God Squad,” today on March 31st, Creation Justice Ministries laments the moral and ecological implications of the exemptions given to oil and gas companies in the Gulf of Mexico. 

Authorized by Congress in 1978 but convened only three times in nearly 50 years, the “God Squad” holds the unilateral power to grant blanket exemptions to the Endangered Species Act (ESA). By allowing economic interests to override the survival of a species, the committee effectively chooses which of God’s creatures shall live and which shall be sentenced to extinction.

“It’s not lost on me that during Holy Week the so-called God-squad convenes to determine which of God’s creatures are expendable.,” said Avery Davis Lamb, Executive Director of Creation Justice Ministries. “Once again, just like that week over 2000 years ago: A council of political leaders gathers to decide what lives and dies.”

After a short 25 minute meeting, the committee passed sweeping ESA exemptions for offshore oil and gas operations. Unlike standard ESA protections, which prioritize biological science, the “God Squad” is legally permitted to prioritize economic impacts. This specific committee, comprised of Trump administration officials with extensive ties to the fossil fuel industry and little to no wildlife biology experience, represents a significant conflict of interest that threatens the integrity of our nation’s most successful conservation law.

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The Endangered Species Act is a story of resurrection. We know the Endangered Species Act works – it has prevented 291 species from going extinct. “The Endangered Species Act is proof that resurrection is not just theology. It is something we can practice,” continued Avery Davis Lamb. “We cannot celebrate Easter while continuing to crucify creation. By weaponizing this committee for short term profit, the administration is turning its back on our call to care for creation. We cannot remain silent while the political interests of the oil and gas industry are placed above the inherent value of God’s handiwork.”

Creation Justice Ministries calls on the Administration to remember their duty to the public trust and the sanctity of life, and to seek solutions that honors Creation and our ethical obligation to prevent extinction.

About Creation Justice Ministries:
Creation Justice Ministries represents the creation care policies of 38 Christian communions, including Baptists, Mainline Protestants, Orthodox, and Peace churches. We educate, equip, and mobilize Christian communities to protect, restore, and rightly share God's creation.