FAA proposal sparks debate over environmental rules for commercial space launches
BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. —
A new proposal from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) could remove hurdles for commercial space companies by waiving some environmental requirements for launch licenses and permits.
The U.S. Department of Transportation said this would eliminate “needless delays.”
“The launch providers are saying the paperwork associated with these environmental impacts, and that analysis of those impacts, is delaying things for them to get launches certified,” Don Platt said.
Platt is the director of Spaceport Education at Florida Tech. He explains the new proposal would change how commercial space companies request waivers for launch and reentry regulations.
The goal would be to make the waiver process faster, more transparent, and flexible, according to the FAA.
“America won the first Space Race, and we can do it again, but only if we get government red tape out of the way. That’s why President Trump has charged USDOT with unlocking the final frontier and re-establishing the United States’ dominance in space,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said in a press release. “Thanks to President Trump’s leadership, we are supercharging commercial space activity, slashing costs, and strengthening America’s competitive edge in this vital field.”
“The Trump administration doesn’t give an iota about the environment,” Ken Kremer said.
Kremer is a research chemist and founder of Space Up Close.
“There are very reasonable ways to mitigate those concerns by the companies involved,” Kremer said. “I know it can be done, because I worked as a chemist and we were environmentally responsible. I know the rocket companies can be too.”
Some of the 13 federal laws that could have their requirements waived for commercial space licenses and permits include the Endangered Species Act, parts of the Clean Water Act, the Clean Air Act, the National Historic Preservation Act and the National Environmental Policy Act.
Platt explained this proposal might be valid for some launches, but not all.
“It is perfectly reasonable to think that the 200th Starship launch or the 500th Falcon 9 launch shouldn’t have to do as much paperwork as the very first launch of a new vehicle,” Platt said. “If they’ve demonstrated this before, they shouldn’t have to do additional paperwork for every time.”
The FAA believes the proposal would allow the agency to waive unnecessary environmental laws and regulations.
A press release states, “Requirements that are needed to protect public health and safety, property, national security, or U.S. foreign policy interests would not be impacted.”
The proposed rule would require a 30-day public comment period for all waiver requests.