Calif. Agency Apologizes for Citing Musk's Politics When Rejecting Rocket Launches
The California Coastal Commission apologized to SpaceX for citing Elon Musk's politics when rejecting increased Starlink-related rocket launches at Vandenberg Space Force Base. The commission agreed not to consider irrelevant factors, including political beliefs and labor practices, in future regulatory actions concerning SpaceX.
The California Coastal Commission has apologized to SpaceX for citing CEO Elon Musk's political activities when denying an increase in Starlink-related rocket launches at Vandenberg Space Force Base. The commission reached a settlement with SpaceX after the company sued in 2024 for 'overt, and shocking, political bias.' The settlement includes an email apologizing for comments made during an October 2024 meeting, where officials voted 6-4 to reject a launch increase for Falcon 9 rockets. The commission acknowledged that comments about SpaceX's labor practices and Musk's political views were irrelevant and improper. The US military subsequently overrode the commission's denial and increased launches from Vandenberg to 100. SpaceX will no longer need a 'Coastal Development Plan' for launch activities at certain sites.
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