Official statements or policy changes from the California Coastal Commission

Elon Musk's SpaceX Sues California Commission, Alleging Political Bias Over Vandenberg Launches

Oct 16, 2024, 05:56 PM

Elon Musk's SpaceX has filed a lawsuit in federal court against the California Coastal Commission, accusing the agency of political bias after it rejected a proposal to increase the number of rocket launches from Vandenberg Space Force Base. The lawsuit, filed on Tuesday, alleges that the Commission overstepped its regulatory authority and was motivated by disapproval of Musk's political views, constituting 'naked political discrimination.' SpaceX claims the Commission considered Musk's political statements when making its decision and unjustly seized regulatory control over coastal launches. The company is seeking a court order to bar the agency from regulating its Falcon 9 rocket launch program at the base.