Trump Administration Looking to Slash Environmental Protection Rules for Rocket Launches

The Trump administration is considering drastically reducing environmental regulations for commercial rocket launches, a move SpaceX and other companies have long advocated for. A draft executive order aims to expedite or eliminate environmental reviews for launch licenses and potentially force states to permit more launch sites. Critics warn this could endanger public safety and the environment, raising concerns about potential risks to habitats and wildlife. The White House declined to comment directly on the draft order, offering only a general statement about maintaining America's space dominance. The order would also shift the FAA's Office of Commercial Space Transportation leadership to a political appointee, further increasing executive control. It further proposes a new advisor to streamline space industry deregulation. This comes as SpaceX expands its Starship program, despite recent launch failures causing disruptions and debris. The order seeks to limit state coastal officials' authority, potentially overriding state environmental regulations. The changes would significantly benefit SpaceX and other commercial space companies, aligning with their calls for less stringent oversight and faster approval processes. This push for deregulation is driven by a desire to accelerate space exploration and compete with China, but critics fear it prioritizes speed over safety and environmental protection.