U.S. Environmental Protection Agency administrator Lee Zeldin met with SpaceX representatives last month, as Elon Musk continues to wield significant influence over the Trump administration.
Miranda Willson reports for E&E News.
In short:
- The Feb. 27 meeting in Washington was listed on the EPA’s public calendar, but neither the agency nor SpaceX disclosed its purpose or attendees.
- SpaceX, which has faced environmental fines for polluting wetlands near its Texas launch site, is seeking FAA approval to increase rocket launches from five to 25 per year.
- Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has gained control over EPA spending, requiring approvals for transactions over $50,000 and granting a SpaceX employee access to the agency’s contracting system.
Key quote:
“They want to build more housing, and I know there are some issues with construction runoff into the wetlands. My guess is that’s what they’re discussing.”
— Jared Margolis, senior attorney at the Center for Biological Diversity
Why this matters:
SpaceX’s rapid expansion in Texas has ignited a debate over environmental responsibility, corporate influence, and the balance between technological progress and conservation. The company, led by Elon Musk, has significantly ramped up operations at its Boca Chica site, nestled near the Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge. Conservationists warn that frequent rocket launches, fuel runoff, and construction threaten a delicate ecosystem home to endangered species, including the Kemp’s ridley sea turtle and ocelot.
At the same time, Musk’s growing ties to federal agencies — including NASA and the Department of Defense — have drawn scrutiny. His influence on policy, government contracts, and even regulatory decisions has led some to question whether SpaceX is being held to the same environmental and financial standards as other industries.
