Endangered Species Committee

The Endangered Species Committee, also known as the "God Squad," is a U.S. federal panel created to review and potentially override decisions that threaten the survival of endangered species. When a project or activity might harm a protected species, the committee assesses whether exceptions should be granted, balancing conservation with economic or other interests. Composed of high-level officials, the committee's role is to ensure that protection efforts are upheld while considering broader societal needs, making its decisions complex and often controversial.