Santa Barbara County, CA – In a significant regulatory decision, the California Coastal Commission has rejected the U.S. Air Force’s plan to allow SpaceX to conduct up to 50 rocket launches per year from Vandenberg Air Force Base. This decision, made on October 10, 2024, marks a notable setback for SpaceX’s ambitious launch schedule.
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| SpaceX Faces Regulatory Setback in California |
The commission’s vote, which ended with a 6-4 decision against the proposal, was influenced by several factors, including environmental concerns and the political behavior of SpaceX CEO Elon Musk. Commissioners expressed worries about the potential impact of increased rocket launches on local wildlife, such as the threatened snowy plovers, and the disruption to nearby communities.
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| Snowy Plovers | MAS |
Commissioner Gretchen Newsom highlighted Musk’s recent controversial statements and actions, including his tweets about the presidential election and comments on Hurricane Helene, as contributing factors to the decision. “Elon Musk is hopping about the country, spewing and tweeting political falsehoods and attacking FEMA while claiming his desire to help the hurricane victims with free Starlink access to the internet,” Newsom stated during the meeting.
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Despite the setback, SpaceX remains committed to its launch operations. A spokesperson for Space Launch Delta 30, which oversees military launch operations on the West Coast, emphasized the Air Force’s dedication to environmental protection and ongoing collaboration with the commission. “Today’s vote hasn’t changed the [Department of the Air Force] or Vandenberg’s unwavering commitment to preserving the California coastline and the precious species that reside there,” said Jennifer Green-Lanchoney.
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| Jennifer Green-Lanchoney - United States | Professional Profile | LinkedIn |
The decision underscores the ongoing tension between regulatory bodies and private space companies as they navigate the complexities of environmental protection and technological advancement.