SpaceX’s ambitious launch schedule could significantly impact beach access in Boca Chica, Texas. Pending legislation and an upcoming vote on establishing Starbase as an official city could grant SpaceX authority over road and beach closures in the area.
This potential shift in control stems from a bill filed by Texas lawmakers that would effectively empower SpaceX officials to close roads and public beaches near the Starbase launch site. These closures would be permitted for rocket launches, ground testing, and other related activities during the week, as reported by the Houston Chronicle. The bill’s effectiveness hinges on the outcome of a vote to incorporate Starbase as a city.
The idea of a Starbase city was first proposed by SpaceX founder and CEO Elon Musk in 2021. In February, Cameron County, Texas, approved an election for residents to vote on the creation of Starbase. Scheduled for May 3, the election will primarily involve SpaceX employees living near the proposed city, who petitioned for the vote in December 2024. This strong SpaceX presence suggests a likely favorable outcome for the company.
The bill, filed on March 14 by two Republican senators, doesn’t explicitly name SpaceX. However, it targets counties with spaceports and beach access “bordering on the Gulf of Mexico or its tidewater limits,” according to My RGV, clearly referencing the Starbase location.
Currently, Cameron County officials manage road and beach closures. If the bill passes, the county would retain weekend authority, while Starbase would gain weekday control over closures near the launch site. This would formalize the existing practice of closing Boca Chica beach during SpaceX’s Starship tests and launches.
During a recent public hearing, State Senator Adam Hinojosa asserted that the bill wouldn’t increase closure frequency, but rather “streamline administrative processes while maintaining local oversight,” according to local reports.
However, concerns remain about the environmental impact of SpaceX’s operations. In July 2024, conservation groups, including the Center for Biological Diversity and American Bird Conservancy, sued the Federal Aviation Administration, alleging a rushed permitting process for Starship without sufficient environmental review. SpaceX also faces EPA fines of nearly $150,000 for allegedly discharging pollutants into a Texas waterway without a permit.
Adding to the local impact, SpaceX announced plans last year for a $15 million shopping center and restaurant near Starbase. With frequent rocket launches already a disruptive force, SpaceX’s expanding presence in the area raises further questions about its long-term effects.
