SpaceX Launch Site Undergoes Rigorous Environmental Review

JUN 13 2022·Updated DEC 28 2022

Story

Image credit: Reuters [via The Washington Post]

The Facts

After months of review, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has found SpaceX's planned Starship rocket launch from South Texas to have "no significant impact" on the environment.
wapo
However, the comprehensive federal ruling includes more than 75 actions the company must take to ensure the surrounding area near Brownsville, Texas, isn't harmed by Starship takeoffs.
nytimes
Among its prescribed actions, SpaceX must enlist a "qualified biologist" to monitor the impact on local wildlife, warn the public ahead of launches, and clean up shrapnel in "sensitive habitats."
CNN
Some environmental organizations, however, argue the environmental impact is too great and hope to sue for an even more comprehensive review.
nytimes
A public comment period in the FAA's review also brought about complaints from those opposed to the site, mostly residents in the vicinity.
CNN
NASA has been awaiting the FAA's clearance, too, as they gave $3B to SpaceX to develop the platform to send astronauts to the moon for the first time since 1972.
wapo

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The Spin

Republican narrative

The burdensome environmental reviews brought back by the Biden admin. only serve to drastically slow down approvals on some of America's most important endeavors. Trump tried to cut back on the bureaucratic red tape and woke policies for good reason.

Washington Free Beacon

Democratic narrative

Biden understands the importance of climate change and social justice, and any measure to protect our Earth and vulnerable communities is the right decision, even if it is a meticulous process. Bringing back these rules will expedite projects over time by ensuring they're done right the first time.

NPR