SpaceX is suing regulators in California, alleging that officials denied requests to launch more rockets due to bias against CEO Elon Musk’s political views.
The lawsuit filed Tuesday against the California Coastal Commission is based on a request from the U.S. Space Force to allow SpaceX to launch up to 50 rockets a year from Vandenberg Space Force Base, which the state government rejected last Thursday. This happened in response to the government’s refusal to do so.
“The commissioners stated that this decision was not based on concerns about impacts to coastal resources, but rather on the political views of SpaceX’s largest shareholder and CEO, Elon Musk. ,” the complaint alleges, adding that “the hearing record shows that there is no dispute.” This is blatant and shocking political bias. ”
During a meeting of the 12-member committee last week, one member mentioned Musk’s comments about the presidential election and Hurricane Helen.
According to the Wall Street Journal, Gretchen Newsom said, “Right now, Elon Musk is flying around the country, spewing political falsehoods, tweeting, attacking FEMA, and encouraging hurricane victims to go online.” “They claim they want to provide free Starlink access.” Newsom is not related to California Governor Gavin Newsom.
In its lawsuit, SpaceX accused the commission of “unconstitutional overreach” and argued that launching from Vandenberg “will not significantly impact coastal resources.”
“Few cases have made it clearer that a government agency is beyond its authority to punish a company for the political views or statements of its largest shareholder and chief executive officer,” the court filing said. ” is written.
The lawsuit was filed after Musk vowed over the weekend to take legal action against the commission. “Incredibly inappropriate,” Musk wrote in an X post in response to an article in which the committee cited his policy. “What I post on this platform has nothing to do with the California Coastal Commission. I will be filing a lawsuit against them on Monday for violating the First Amendment.”
