Elon Musk’s company, SpaceX, has initiated a lawsuit against members of the California Coastal Commission, alleging political bias as the reason for the rejection of its application to increase rocket launches. Republican state Assemblyman Bill Essayli is seeking an explanation for the commission’s decision against the proposal to launch additional rockets from a California military base.
Assemblyman Bill Essayli filed a request for public records from the California Coastal Commission (CCC) to uncover communications involving SpaceX and its CEO, Elon Musk. In an interview, Essayli suggested that the CCC’s decision was politically driven, noting the agency’s apparent opposition to Musk.
The dispute arose after a recent debate concerning a Department of Defense proposal. This proposal aimed to increase SpaceX launches from Vandenberg Space Force Base from 36 to 50 annually. During the hearing, the commission, which oversees land and water use along California’s extensive coastline, argued that SpaceX’s activities fall within its jurisdiction because they are not federal government activities.
Essayli expressed disappointment over the commission’s decision, arguing it weakens the United States’ competitive stance globally. He emphasized the potential economic benefits SpaceX brings to California and questioned the motives behind the decision. Essayli further remarked on the commissioners’ comments, suggesting that they were influenced by their disapproval of Musk’s political involvement.
SpaceX filed a lawsuit on Tuesday, claiming that the CCC unfairly exercised control over their launch activities due to disagreement with Musk’s political views. The lawsuit cites a commissioner’s critique of Musk, accusing him of spreading political falsehoods and criticizing FEMA while purporting to aid hurricane victims.
Essayli criticized the decision, suggesting it dampens industry innovation and negatively impacts California’s economy. He highlighted the benefits such developments bring to the state and argued there was no logical basis for the commission’s rejection besides personal biases against Musk.
FOX Business reached out to the CCC for comments on both the lawsuit and Essayli’s records request. The agency has not yet responded regarding the assemblyman’s request and declined to comment on the lawsuit.
Recently, SpaceX accomplished four successful launches across three states, demonstrating the company’s ongoing advancements and capabilities in space technology.
