Environmental groups are suing the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for allowing SpaceX to temporarily discharge industrial water at its South Texas launch site without a proper permit.
Rio Grande Valley groups are suing the Texas Commission on Environment al Quality, accusing the agency of bypassing state regulations by allowing SpaceX to temporarily discharge industrial water at its South Texas launch site without a proper permit.
The groups — the South Texas Environmental Justice Network, along with the Carrizo/Comecrudo Nation of Texas, and Save RGV — filed the lawsuit Monday after the agency decided last month to allow SpaceX to continue its operations for 300 days or until the company obtained the appropriate permit. It is the latest in a string of lawsuits filed by environmental groups aimed at curbing the possible environmental impacts of SpaceX’s operations at Boca Chica on the southern tip of Texas. Earlier this year, TCEQ cited SpaceX for discharging water into nearby waterways after it was used to protect the launchpad from heat damage during Starship launches four times this year. SpaceX did not admit to any violation but agreed to pay a $3,750 penalty. Part of the penalty was deferred until SpaceX obtains the proper permit and on the condition that future water discharges meet pollution restrictions. The environmental groups say that allowing SpaceX to continue is a violation of permitting requirements and that TCEQ is acting outside of its authority. “The Clean Water Act requires the TCEQ to follow certain procedural and technical requirements when issuing discharge permits meant to protect public participation and ensure compliance with Texas surface water quality standards,' Lauren Ice, the attorney for the three Rio Grande Valley organizations, said in a statement. 'By bypassing these requirements, the Commission has put the Boca Chica environment at risk of degradation,' Ice said.A TCEQ spokesperson said the agency cannot comment on pending litigatio
Spacex Environmental Lawsuit Texas Commission On Environmental Quality Discharge Permit Boca Chica
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
SpaceX gets closer to huge increase in annual Texas launches as FAA environmental assessment advancesSpaceX could move from five to up to 25 annual launches from Boca Chica, Texas, as a new draft FAA assessment advances to the public comment phase.
Read more »
Federal judge sides with SpaceX after environmental group tried to stop rocket launchesA federal judge sided with Elon Musk's SpaceX after a Texas-based environmental group attempted to halt rocket launches at one of its sites.
Read more »
STUDY: SpaceX launches may reap more environmental harm than predictedA new study shows that sonic booms from SpaceX launched may cause more environmental, structural damage than predicted.
Read more »
Environmental Groups Sue to Overturn BASF Toxic Waste SettlementEnvironmental advocates in Toms River, New Jersey are challenging a $500,000 settlement with German chemical company BASF over years of toxic waste dumping.
Read more »
The GOP Already Has a Roadmap to Shut Down Environmental GroupsFearless Independent Journalism
Read more »
Environmental groups condemn new laws threatening soybean restrictions in Brazil's AmazonDozens of environmental nonprofits issued a manifesto Thursday condemning new laws in Brazilian states that threaten to dismantle the Amazon soy moratorium.
Read more »