President-elect Donald Trump’s visit to a SpaceX launch highlights Elon Musk’s growing influence as environmental advocates raise concerns about the company’s regulatory compliance.
Michael Doyle and Miranda Willson report for E&E News.
In short:
- SpaceX has faced fines for Clean Water Act violations and lawsuits alleging damage to wildlife habitats near its Texas launch site.
- Environmentalists claim launches harm endangered species, while Musk criticizes delays from regulatory agencies like the Fish and Wildlife Service.
- SpaceX is seeking permits for wastewater discharge and operating a treatment facility, with officials warning about risks to nearby ecosystems.
Key quote:
“These laws are in place to protect the public interest. Giving [Musk] a free pass shows we’re putting billionaires — or people who are friends with Trump or whoever — above the law.”
— Jared Margolis, senior attorney at the Center for Biological Diversity.
Why this matters:
Space exploration faces scrutiny as companies like SpaceX operate near sensitive ecosystems. Decisions about enforcement of environmental laws may set a precedent for balancing industrial growth with conservation.
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