Elon Musk’s space city gets more control over Texas coastline

Elon Musk’s fledgling space city now controls a stretch of South Texas coastline under a new state law and agreement with Cameron County — another sign of the tech billionaire’s growing influence in the state.

Starbase will be using its power for the first time this week ahead of Monday’s planned launch of a Starship from SpaceX’s rocket development and launch site at the southern tip of Texas.

The law that went into effect last month actually gave the Texas Space Commission authority to let the city close Boca Chica Beach and Texas 4 during launches and testing of the giant Starship rocket in development there. In late September, though, the commission approved a standing order handing those powers to the SpaceX company town.

That means Starbase rather than Cameron County will make the call for closures around Starship launches, testing and other activities it deems “necessary for the promotion of space flight activities and aeronautics economic development.”

READ MORE: Judge sides with FAA, Musk’s SpaceX in Starship environmental lawsuit

On Tuesday, Starbase issued a notice of a Wednesday “road delay” while Starship is moved to its launch pad.

For years, the Cameron County judge had the authority to approve such notices and closures, most recently for some ground testing last month. But the commission’s order yanked that power.

The change comes after County Judge Eddie Treviño Jr. voiced concern over SpaceX failing to notify his office of testing in June that resulted in a massive explosion. The blast lobbed debris into Mexico and spawned threats of lawsuits from that nation’s leaders. 

Neither Treviño nor Starbase officials responded to requests for comment.

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The space commission’s order, which can be suspended, modified or revoked, required a “Beach Access and Dune Protection Plan” certified by the Texas General Land Office.  

Starbase approved such a plan Sept. 25 and county commissioners gave the company town authority over beach access and dune protection along about two miles of Boca Chica Beach adjacent to the company’s rocket launch complex.

The move gives the steadily growing space city more control over the area where it’s developing its Starship mega-rocket. Since its residents voted to incorporate in May, the company has added 174 acres to its original 940-acre footprint by annexing 21 parcels previously owned by SpaceX. 

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It also recently voted to take control of another 1,413-acre swath by creating a wetlands conservation area the city will manage. 

According to the city’s agreement with the county, Starbase officials will enforce the state’s Open Beaches Act — which ensures public access — and administer a “beachfront construction and dune protection permitting program.”

“We’re partnering with Cameron County to safeguard the dunes, expand public access and strengthen both the resilience and value of Boca Chica Beach,” said Starbase mayor Bobby Peden in a first-of-its-kind joint press release from the county and city. “By receiving dune authority, we are stepping up to share responsibility for one of our community’s most treasured resources — our shoreline.”

The city adopted the plan that preserves free public access to Boca Chica Beach. 

“By working together with the City of Starbase, we’re ensuring that this vital stretch of coastline remains resilient, accessible, and protected — both environmentally and recreationally,” Treviño said in the statement. 

READ MORE: South Texas county resumes water deliveries to Elon Musk’s new space city

Starbase said it will manage construction permitting in the beach area in accordance with state laws. It will also establish, maintain and reevaluate protected dune areas. That includes installing signs and physical barriers to prevent trespass. 

The city is also responsible for permitting events on the beach, general maintenance and enforcement.   

“Unless SpaceX is conducting testing or launching a vehicle, Boca Chica Beach must remain open for the public’s use,” the mayor said. “This partnership will provide that users will have a cleaner and more enjoyable Boca Chica Beach when visiting.”