Elon Musk has reportedly issued a legal threat in response to California officials’ decision to decline additional SpaceX rocket launches, which was influenced by his political beliefs.
The U.S. Space Force’s request for more frequent SpaceX rocket launches was rejected by the California Coastal Commission on Thursday.
The Space Force had requested that SpaceX be permitted to conduct 50 Falcon 9 rocket launches annually at Vandenberg Space Force Base, an increase from the previous 36 launches.
The request was rejected by the commission in a six-to-four vote.
During a hearing on the matter, commissioners expressed their dissatisfaction with Musk’s political beliefs and his campaign stop with former President Donald Trump earlier this month.
Caryl Hart, the chair of the commission, sparked allegations of illegal regulatory lawfare by making a distinction between SpaceX and other enterprises.
“We’re dealing with a company the head of which has aggressively injected himself into the presidential race and made it clear what his point of view is,” Hart said.
In comments posted to X, Musk ridiculed the Commission.
The Coastal Commission has one job – take care of the California coast.
It is illegal for them to make decisions based on what they (mostly wrongly) think are my politics.
For example, I have done more to advance sustainable energy & help the environment than maybe anyone… https://t.co/x5CF2WkVdA
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) October 15, 2024
“The Coastal Commission has one job – take care of the California coast. It is illegal for them to make decisions based on what they (mostly wrongly) think are my politics.” Musk wrote.
“For example, I have done more to advance sustainable energy & help the environment than maybe anyone ever, which is not exactly a “far-right” position. Yet here they are shamelessly breaking the law! They should resign immediately and face the appropriate legal consequences for their actions.” he concluded.
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