SpaceX, the rocket company founded by Elon Musk, has filed a lawsuit against the California Coastal Commission, alleging that the agency’s denial of additional launch permits at Vandenberg Space Force Base was motivated by “naked political discrimination” against Musk, Bloomberg reports.
The lawsuit, filed Tuesday in Los Angeles federal court, stems from the commission’s vote on Thursday against a US military request to increase the number of SpaceX launches at Vandenberg from 36 to 50 annually. SpaceX claims the commission exceeded its authority by using the permit decision to punish the company for Musk’s political views.
The suit cites comments made by commissioners during the meeting, highlighting their concerns about Musk’s political stance, particularly his support for Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump.
The lawsuit also mentions Commissioner Gretchen Newsom’s speech, where she criticized Musk for “hopping around the country spewing and tweeting political falsehoods and attacking” the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
SpaceX argues that the commission’s decision went beyond its legal jurisdiction, conflicted with federal law, and constituted illegal retaliation against SpaceX for Musk’s constitutionally protected free speech. The company is seeking a court order declaring that the commission lacks authority over the launch program.
While the California Coastal Commission has the authority to approve or deny permits for projects within its jurisdiction, the federal government ultimately holds the pre-emptive power to proceed with launches without the commission’s support. The US government has indicated it would be premature to speculate on whether it will pursue this option.
The lawsuit, titled “Space Exploration Technologies Corp. v. California Coastal Commission,” is pending in the US District Court, Central District of California (Los Angeles).
