President Trump signed an executive order directing federal agencies to ease environmental rules for space companies, including potential exemptions from landmark laws like the National Environmental Policy Act.
Michael Doyle reports for E&E News.
In short:
- The executive order instructs the U.S. Department of Transportation to “eliminate or expedite” environmental reviews for space launches and reentries, potentially removing current obligations under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
- It encourages agencies to fast-track permitting for future spaceports and allows appeals to the rarely used “God Squad” to override Endangered Species Act protections.
- Conservation groups warn the order could cause widespread harm to ecosystems and communities near launch sites and accuse the administration of prioritizing corporate interests over public health and environmental safeguards.
Key quote:
“This reckless order puts people and wildlife at risk from private companies launching giant rockets that often explode and wreak devastation on surrounding areas.”
— Jared Margolis, senior attorney, Center for Biological Diversity
Why this matters:
Space launches may seem clean compared to fossil fuels, but the rocket industry brings its own environmental toll. Launch pads often border fragile coastal ecosystems, and failed launches can scatter toxic debris. Emissions from rocket fuel, noise pollution, and the clearing of land for spaceports also pose risks to wildlife and nearby communities. NEPA ensures these risks are publicly assessed and that projects have a mitigation plan, but bypassing it could fast-track projects with long-term consequences.
