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Space X rocket launch platforms loom over members of the ENTRE Film Center gathered to celebrate and preserve Boca Chica Beach near Brownsville on Aug. 31.
For a few hours, the beachgoers were treated to quesadillas, oysters, and a variety of casseroles as they lounged under tents appreciating the beach that has undergone drastic changes in less than a decade.The beach was once considered a local secret but is now at the center of a struggle between locals who want to preserve it as it once was and those who see it as a site for innovation.
This summer, the Federal Aviation Administration and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality have noted environmental concerns over SpaceX’s proposal to increase the number of launches per year here. “SpaceX is an issue that's constantly changing, that is getting rubber-stamped permits by regulatory agencies that have really broken processes,” said Bekah Hinojosa, co-founder of the South Texas Environmental Justice Network.
Christopher Basaldú, a member of the Carrizo/Comecrudo Tribe, doesn't take SpaceX at its word and believes the environmental harm on the area is undeniable. The tribe considers Boca Chica to be sacred land and is currentlyAs part of the deal, the Texas Park and Wildlife Commission agreed to give 43 acres of Boca Chica State Park to SpaceX in exchange for 477 acres adjacent to Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge.
In addition to limiting beach access due to SpaceX launches, another change to the area is the arrival of Musk and SpaceX superfans who gather along the road adjacent to the launch site.Swimmers at the Boca Chica Beach on Aug. 31. The popular beach near Brownsville is adjacent to a massive SpaceX facility.
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