SpaceX, Elon Musk’s rocket company, filed a lawsuit against the California Coastal Commission accusing them of political discrimination. The commission denied SpaceX’s bid for more rocket launches on the state’s central coast, citing Musk’s controversial comments on his social media platform X as a reason. The commission oversees development and environmental protection along the state’s coastline, and SpaceX claimed that its members violated Musk’s right to free speech and overstepped their authority by denying the bid. The incident highlights the potential impact of Musk’s online behavior on his other companies, with his social media platform already experiencing declining value.
The US Space Force had proposed that SpaceX increase its annual rocket launches at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, from 36 to 50. SpaceX conducts both commercial and military launches from the base, including delivering Starlink satellites into orbit. However, the California Coastal Commission opposed the plan and voted 6 to 4 against increasing the launches at a meeting in October. SpaceX alleges that commissioners raised concerns unrelated to coastal effects and referenced SpaceX’s employment practices and Musk’s social media presence during the meeting. The lawsuit claims the commission showed political bias in denying the bid.
During the meeting, commissioners made statements reflecting their concerns about Musk’s political involvement and controversial comments. They referenced Musk’s control over extensive communications networks due to Starlink and cited Musk’s political remarks and involvement in various issues as reasons for denying the bid. Musk has endorsed former President Trump for reelection and has made controversial remarks online, including promoting conspiracy theories and false claims about the government’s response to hurricanes and attacking current political figures. The lawsuit alleges that SpaceX’s activities at the base are federally regulated and not subject to the approval of state regulators like the coastal commission.
SpaceX is seeking a ruling from the judge confirming that its launches at the base are federally regulated activities and not subject to state approval. The company is also seeking monetary damages from the California Coastal Commission for what it claims was political bias in denying the bid for more rocket launches. The lawsuit highlights the tensions between Musk’s controversial online behavior and the operations of his various companies, as well as the potential impact on his partnerships and business ventures. The coastal commission declined to comment on the lawsuit, and the case will proceed through the legal system to determine the outcome.
