Lawsuit challenges Trump administration's land swap with SpaceX in Texas

Environmental groups have filed a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration's plan to transfer over 700 acres of a Texas wildlife refuge to SpaceX. The Center for Biological Diversity and other organizations argue the land swap would exacerbate ecological risks in a region already heavily impacted by Elon Musk's rocket operations.

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Rather than exercising its enforcement authority to protect the refuge from SpaceX’s activities and to require mitigation to address the harm SpaceX has caused, the [Fish and Wildlife Service] seeks to give SpaceX over 700 acres within the refuge.

The US Fish and Wildlife Service approved the deal, which involves SpaceX exchanging land it owns for federal property within the Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge. Maps indicate the land SpaceX would gain is closer to its launchpad near the US-Mexico border. This marks the first time the federal government has swapped land with SpaceX in the area.

Laiken Jordahl, a spokesperson for the Center for Biological Diversity, stated that the Fish and Wildlife Service is "giving SpaceX over 700 acres within the refuge" instead of enforcing protective measures. Residents have long voiced concerns about SpaceX's growing presence, citing lost beach access and worries about rocket explosions.

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net conservation benefit

The Fish and Wildlife Service maintains that an environmental assessment found the exchange would not significantly affect the area, projecting a "net conservation benefit" and improved habitat connectivity. SpaceX did not respond to requests for comment. The lawsuit proceeds as SpaceX prepares for a potential public offering.

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substantial long-term conservation value and improving landscape-scale habitat connectivity across refuges in south Texas