A draft executive order aims to exempt space launches from environmental review, benefiting commercial space players while potentially violating laws. Environmental advocates warn of severe consequences from rocket launches, which pollute air and waterways with toxic substances and threaten wildlife. The order targets the National Environmental Policy Act and suggests the transportation department could ignore existing environmental protections like the Endangered Species Act. With a surge in commercial space activity, the lack of environmental oversight raises fears of ecological disasters as launch rates rise significantly.
The executive order directs the US transportation department to use all available authorities to eliminate or expedite environmental reviews, raising significant legal concerns.
Rocket launches create a massive amount of pollution that can contaminate local waterways and air with high levels of mercury, PFAS, and other highly toxic substances.
Advocates argue that without proper environmental protections, rocket launches could lead to catastrophic ecological impacts, threatening local habitats and wildlife.
The executive order targets key environmental protections like the National Environmental Policy Act and suggests circumventing the Endangered Species Act.
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