SpaceX’s ambitious plan to establish Starbase, a city built around its South Texas launch site, has moved closer to fruition. Cameron County, Texas, has approved an election to let residents decide on the creation of this new town, centered around SpaceX’s ongoing Starship development.
The election, scheduled for May 3rd, will allow residents near SpaceX’s Starbase facility to cast their votes, according to the Associated Press. This follows CEO Elon Musk’s initial proposal for a Starbase city in 2021, with SpaceX steadily expanding its presence in the region since then.
A vote in favor of incorporation would represent a significant victory for Musk, but it also carries potential drawbacks. The establishment of a company town raises concerns about its impact on the surrounding area, particularly given existing environmental concerns surrounding SpaceX’s operations.
Residents Petition for Starbase Incorporation
In December 2024, over 70 county residents, primarily SpaceX employees according to the Associated Press, submitted a petition requesting an election on the matter. Musk, in a premature celebration on X, declared that “SpaceX HQ will now officially be in the city of Starbase, Texas.” While the petition doesn’t guarantee a successful outcome, it highlights the influence wielded by the billionaire entrepreneur.
A Cameron County judge reviewed the petition and confirmed it met the state’s requirements for holding an election. Judge Eddie Treviño stated, “If the election passes, this will be the newest town in Cameron County since Los Indios in 1995. We look forward to seeing the outcome of this election.”
Starbase Growth and Development Plans
A report from Judge Treviño’s office in June 2024 revealed that over 3,400 SpaceX employees and contractors have established themselves around the base in recent years. Furthering its commitment to the area, SpaceX announced plans last year for a $15 million shopping center and restaurant development.
Kathryn Lueders, general manager of Starbase, emphasized the need for community growth in a letter to the county in 2024. “To continue growing the workforce necessary to rapidly develop and manufacture Starship, we need the ability to grow Starbase as a community,” Lueders wrote. “That is why we are requesting that Cameron County call an election to enable the incorporation of Starbase as the newest city in the Rio Grande Valley.”
Environmental Concerns Loom Large
However, the proposed incorporation has raised concerns among environmental groups who have long criticized SpaceX’s environmental practices. In July 2024, the Center for Biological Diversity, American Bird Conservancy, and other groups filed a lawsuit against the Federal Aviation Administration, claiming it expedited SpaceX’s Starship permitting process without sufficient environmental review. SpaceX also faces nearly $150,000 in fines from the Environmental Protection Agency for alleged illegal dumping of pollutants into a Texas waterway.
A Rocket Utopia or an Environmental Headache?
While the petition paints Starbase as an ideal location for SpaceX’s operations, the potential environmental consequences of the company’s activities could create significant challenges for the nascent town. The election results will determine whether Starbase becomes a reality and how it navigates the complex balance between technological advancement and environmental responsibility.
