Trump-Era Gulf Oil Drilling Plan Threatens Endangered Rice’s Whale, Says Federal Review

The Trump administration has released a long-awaited environmental review concluding that oil and gas operations in the Gulf of Mexico pose a serious threat to the endangered Rice’s whale. The biological opinion, issued by the National Marine Fisheries Service, outlines new protective measures, including mandatory vessel speed limits and a 500-meter distance requirement from the whales if spotted.

With only an estimated 51 Rice’s whales remaining, the review finds that ongoing offshore drilling activities are likely to jeopardize the species’ survival. The assessment came after a federal judge ordered a revision of a previous version deemed insufficient in evaluating the risks of vessel strikes and oil spills.

Despite the revised assessment, environmental advocates argue the new measures remain inadequate. Earthjustice attorney Chris Eaton criticized the plan, noting it still allows actions over the next 45 years that could kill nine whales and severely injure three more. “It’s just as inadequate for protecting rare marine species as the last biological opinion,” he said.

Meanwhile, the oil and gas industry, represented by groups like the American Petroleum Institute (API) and the National Ocean Industries Association (NOIA), expressed concern over the jeopardy finding. NOIA President Erik Milito stated the conclusion "appears inconsistent with the best available science" and warned it could cause regulatory uncertainty.

The biological opinion was released just before the court-imposed deadline of May 21, which industry groups had warned could trigger a shutdown of critical energy operations if missed. The Gulf, controversially renamed by President Trump as the “Gulf of America,” continues to be a hotbed of environmental and political tension over fossil fuel development and wildlife protection.