In a move celebrated by the oil and gas industry but criticized by environmental advocates, the Trump administration has rescinded guidance that required industry ships to slow down in the habitat of the critically endangered Rice’s whale. The guidance, introduced in August 2023, had recommended that vessels reduce their speed to approximately 11 mph when travelling through parts of the Gulf of Mexico where these rare whales live. Ships were also advised to avoid the area at night, use trained observers to spot whales and maintain a distance of at least 1,500 feet from the animals. “The consequences of fatal … Continue reading Trump Administration Lifts Ship Speed Limits, Endangering Rice’s Whales