SpaceX has filed a lawsuit accusing members of the California Coastal Commission (CCC) of political bias, prompting California Republican state Assemblyman Bill Essayli to seek clarification on why the agency rejected the company’s application to increase rocket launches. Assemblyman Essayli has filed a public records request with the CCC, seeking communications related to SpaceX and its CEO, Elon Musk.
In a conversation with FOX Business, Essayli suggested that the CCC’s rejection was politically motivated against Musk. He expressed surprise at the agency’s decision against SpaceX, observing that the company’s accomplishments in the space industry have been exemplary. His concerns were heightened by comments from commissioners during the decision process.
The CCC recently debated a Department of Defense proposal to expand SpaceX’s launch schedule at Vandenberg Space Force Base from 36 to 50 launches per year. At a hearing, the agency asserted its authority over the commercial launches, citing that they were not federal government activities and hence required coastal permitting.
Essayli criticized the decision, stating it weakens the U.S. against global competitors and hampers the country’s strength. He argued that the commissioners’ rejection was influenced by their disapproval of Musk’s political engagement rather than any substantive concerns regarding the launches.
On Tuesday, SpaceX initiated legal action against the CCC, alleging political bias in the decision-making process. The lawsuit contends that the CCC exerted undue regulatory control because of the commissioners’ unfavorable opinions of Musk’s political views. The suit includes a statement from Commissioner Gretchen Newsom criticizing Musk’s public commentary and suggesting it influenced the rejection.
Essayli further stated that the commission’s stance hinders California’s economic development, unnecessarily questioning the logic behind rejecting SpaceX’s application. He pointed out that the increased launches would bring jobs and financial benefits to the state.
FOX Business has requested comments from the CCC regarding the lawsuit and Essayli’s records request. The agency has not commented on the lawsuit or responded to the request for public documents.
In related news, SpaceX recently conducted a series of four launches in three states, demonstrating advanced operational capabilities, including a successful return of the first-stage booster to its launch pad.