Newsom backs Musk on dispute over rocket launches at Vandenberg

In California, a legal battle has emerged between Elon Musk's SpaceX and the California Coastal Commission regarding the frequency of rocket launches from Vandenberg Space Force Base. Governor Gavin Newsom publicly supported Musk, stating his alignment with the billionaire during a campaign event for Vice President Kamala Harris. The Coastal Commission had previously rejected SpaceX's proposal to increase launches to 50 per year, citing concerns about wildlife impact and Musk's political influence as reasons for their decision. Instead, the commission allowed a maximum of 36 annual launches, while military officials would request an increase to 100 launches by March. The commission's rejection illustrates ongoing tensions as it wrestles with balancing development regulations and environmental protections. The commissioners expressed worries about the sonic booms and the impact on local wildlife resulting from the proposed rocket launches. Additionally, they noted that a significant portion of SpaceX's operations mainly involves private satellite launches, raising questions about the implications of such activities on public resources and interests. Despite Musk's past criticisms of California's regulations, Newsom appeared to differentiate between legitimate concerns regarding environmental impacts and political posturing. The Coastal Commission is legally mandated to cooperate with federal agencies, despite its earlier rejection of the heightened launch schedule. In response to the ongoing tensions, discussions continue between state officials and the U.S. Air Force to create an agreement addressing both operational needs and environmental safeguards for the region's ecosystem.