Groups Call For More Robust Environmental Review Protection Of Tribal Cultural Resources

Rio Grande Valley Organizations Demand FAA Action on SpaceX Consult with Carrizo Comecrudo Tribe

Groups Call for More Robust Environmental Review, Protection of Tribal Cultural Resources

Brownsville, TX (August 5, 2024)

A coalition of Rio Grande Valley (RGV) organizations has sent a letter to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) demanding that the agency take immediate action to address the environmental and cultural impacts of SpaceX's proposed Starship launch facility in Boca Chica.

The groups, which include the Center for Biological Diversity, the Sierra Club, and the Carrizo Comecrudo Tribe of Texas, argue that the FAA's environmental assessment of the project is woefully inadequate and fails to fully consider the potential impacts to the local environment and wildlife. They are also concerned that the project could damage or destroy important cultural resources belonging to the Carrizo Comecrudo Tribe.

In their letter, the groups demand that the FAA:

• Conduct a more thorough environmental impact statement (EIS) that fully assesses the potential impacts of the project
• Consult with the Carrizo Comecrudo Tribe to ensure that their cultural resources are protected
• Halt any further construction or testing of the launch facility until these issues are resolved

The groups argue that the FAA has a responsibility to protect the environment and public health, and to ensure that tribal cultural resources are not damaged or destroyed. They say that the agency is failing to meet these responsibilities by allowing SpaceX to proceed with its plans for the Boca Chica launch facility.

"The FAA is ignoring the environmental and cultural risks of this project," said Dr. Sarah Uhlemann, a senior scientist with the Center for Biological Diversity. "We demand that the agency take immediate action to address these concerns and protect the people and wildlife of the Rio Grande Valley."