Trump orders relaxed rules for rocket launches, appearing to benefit Musk and Bezos

Trump Moves to Ease Environmental Rules for SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Private Rocket Launches

Washington, D.C. – Former U.S. President Donald Trump has signed a new executive order aimed at cutting red tape for commercial spaceflight companies such as SpaceX and Blue Origin, potentially allowing them to bypass certain environmental reviews required under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).

The directive, titled “Enabling Competition in the Commercial Space Industry”, seeks to dramatically increase private rocket launches, with a target of “substantial” growth by 2030. Under the order, companies may be able to skip lengthy environmental assessments currently overseen by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which have been a source of frustration for the industry.

Why the Environmental Rules Matter

Before any launch, private space companies must obtain FAA permits, which include environmental reviews designed to protect surrounding communities, wildlife, and ecosystems. These assessments examine potential harm from rocket exhaust, sonic booms, falling debris, and fuel spills — all of which can disrupt endangered species and pollute land and water.

Critics argue that bypassing these safeguards could endanger sensitive habitats. Supporters say it will help the U.S. compete in the growing space economy by eliminating unnecessary delays.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, whose department oversees the FAA, praised Trump’s move, calling it “visionary” and essential for keeping America at the forefront of the space race.

SpaceX’s Legal Battles and Rapid Expansion

The change could be a major boost for Elon Musk’s SpaceX, which is expanding operations across the U.S. The company is currently facing a lawsuit from environmental groups who claim the FAA failed to adequately assess the ecological impact of launches from its Boca Chica, Texas site.

The lawsuit gained traction after the April 2023 Starship test flight, which blasted chunks of concrete up to 10 kilometers away, ignited a grassfire that burned nearly four acres of state park, and destroyed wildlife habitats, including bobwhite quail nests and blue land crabs.

“This reckless order puts people and wildlife at risk from private companies launching giant rockets that often explode and wreak havoc on surrounding areas,” said Jared Margolis, senior attorney at the Center for Biological Diversity. “Allowing agencies to sidestep bedrock environmental laws is incredibly dangerous and not in the public’s best interest.”

More Launches Approved for SpaceX and Others

In May, the FAA granted SpaceX approval to increase Starship launches in Texas from five per year to 25. The company also hopes to boost Falcon rocket launches from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California from 50 to 95 annually.

Trump’s order is expected to streamline the approval process for such expansions, benefiting not only SpaceX but also competitors like Jeff Bezos’s Blue Origin, which has plans to ramp up its launch schedule.

The White House framed the order as part of a broader deregulatory push to reform NEPA and remove what it calls “burdensome DEI requirements,” positioning it as a measure to boost innovation and national security.

Key Takeaways for the Space Industry

Faster approvals could mean more frequent launches for SpaceX, Blue Origin, and other companies.

Reduced environmental oversight raises concerns among conservationists about risks to ecosystems and communities.

Global competitiveness is a driving factor behind the policy change, as private space companies race to dominate future space travel.

With the commercial space industry entering a period of rapid growth, Trump’s executive order could reshape the balance between environmental protection and technological progress — a debate that is likely to intensify in the coming years.

Trump’s Executive Order Could Fast-Track SpaceX and Blue Origin Launches by Cutting Environmental Reviews

Donald Trump’s new order may allow SpaceX, Blue Origin, and other private rocket companies to bypass environmental reviews, sparking a debate over industry growth versus ecological protection.