SpaceX sues California regulators, alleging bias against CEO Elon Musk
What's the story
SpaceX has sued California regulators, accusing them of political bias against its CEO Elon Musk. The company claims that the regulators denied it permission to conduct more rocket launches because of Musk's controversial and conservative views. SpaceX sees this as an infringement on Musk's right to free speech. The lawsuit was filed in California's Central District on Tuesday.
Launch denial
Denied permission for increased rocket launches
According to The Wall Street Journal, SpaceX planned to launch dozens of rockets every year from Vandenberg Space Force Base near Santa Barbara, California. However, the California Coastal Commission denied this request. Ahead of the vote on the decision, Commissioner Gretchen Newsom slammed Musk, accusing him of holding "bigoted beliefs against California's safeguards and protections over our transgender community."
Criticism voiced
Newsom criticizes Musk's actions and SpaceX's practices
Newsom also slammed Musk for his nationwide political activities and criticism of Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), even as he offered free Starlink internet access to hurricane victims. She questioned SpaceX's safety record and labor conditions, pointing to fines and allegations of injuries at its facilities. "Rarely has a government agency made so clear that it was exceeding its authorized mandate to punish a company for the political views and statements of its largest shareholder and CEO," said SpaceX.
CEO's response
Musk responds to the commission's decision
Musk reacted to the Commission's decision by posting on X: "The Coastal Commission has one job — take care of the California coast." He said it is illegal for them to make decisions based on what they think are his political beliefs. Musk also said he has done more for sustainable energy and environmental conservation than anyone else, which he doesn't see as a 'far-right' stance. He also demanded the commission members to resign.
Twitter Post
Take a look at Musk's post
The Coastal Commission has one job – take care of the California
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) October 15, 2024coast. to make decisions based on what they (mostly wrongly) think are
It is illegal for themmy politics. have done more to advance sustainable energy & help the environment than maybe anyone… https://t.co/x5CF2WkVdA
For example, I
Launch prospects
Future of SpaceX launches from California base
Despite the lawsuit and the Commission's decision, there's still a chance SpaceX could launch more rockets from California as it is a major federal contractor. Military officials see SpaceX's launches from the California base as a federal agency activity. Col. Mark Shoemaker, who oversees Vandenberg for the Space Force, told WSJ they're assessing the outcome of Thursday's decision but it's too early to comment on future launch plans beyond current capacity constraints.