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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
November 19, 2024
Contact: Bekah Hinojosa at (956) 975 – 6634 or bekah@sotxejn.org
Rio Grande Valley Organizations Condemn Latest SpaceX Rocket Launch on Boca Chica Beach
BROWNSVILLE, TX. – This evening, SpaceX tested the controversial Starship/SuperHeavy, the largest rocket in human history, on Brownsville’s Boca Chica beach. Residents witnessed the rocket launch release a plume of fire and smoke on a sensitive wildlife habitat, a precious family beach, and lands that are sacred to the Carrizo/Comecrudo Tribe of Texas.
For years, residents of the Rio Grande Valley have voiced their concerns about SpaceX’s operations, which frequently limit access to Boca Chica Beach. This has prevented the Carrizo/Comecrudo Tribe from accessing sacred lands needed for ceremonies. The Tribe and others have filed a lawsuit against Cameron County and the Texas General Land Office over beach access. Additionally, over the last several years, over 60 acres of wildlife habitat for threatened and endangered species have been destroyed by rocket testing, and public safety is at risk due to rocket debris being blown into the community. SpaceX was also recently caught illegally dumping polluted water into the popular fishing site, South Bay, and faces only a small fine from the regulator. SpaceX wants to eventually launch up to 25 times per year, which would only increase the size and scale of the environmental destruction in the Rio Grande Valley region.
In response, Josette Hinojosa, with South Texas Environmental Justice Network, issued the following statement:
“SpaceX does not help humanity; it’s a sci-fi fantasy for the rich and powerful. Elon Musk inviting Trump to watch our low-income community used as a testing site for rocket explosions is a blatant example of white supremacy. The elected officials that don’t speak up about the dangerous earthquakes and destruction of habitat because of the rocket launches here are vendidos that support corporate power like SpaceX. When I ran for the Port of Brownsville Commission, I spoke up for protecting our neighborhoods and wildlife near the Port and worker safety conditions because that’s the representation we deserve.”
In response, Estrella Torres, with Texas Rising, issued the following statement:
“The incessant launches performed by Space X are framed as an advancement for humanity when in reality it is an impediment on our community to preserve our environmental space for the generation of today and those to come.”
In response, Lupita Sanchez, with Border Workers United, issued the following statement:
“Border Workers United is very concerned about community well-being regarding the frequency of rocket launches. Our elders and caregivers, in particular, have noted a significant increase in anxiety and confusion following recent launches.
A community member shared a particularly distressing experience, explaining that the individual she cares for became extremely agitated and disoriented after the last two rocket launches. This incident underscores the broader impact these events have on our most vulnerable residents.
We will keep pushing for potential solutions to mitigate the impact of rocket launches on our community’s well-being.”
In response, Coyotl Quintero, with Haikia Familia based in McAllen, TX, issued the following statement:
“We, Haikia Familia , stand in strong condemnation of the recent SpaceX launch, which we believe raises significant concerns regarding environmental impact, regulatory oversight, and the prioritization of corporate interests over public welfare. As concerned citizens and environmental advocates, we stand united in opposition to the upcoming SpaceX launch, which poses significant risks to our planet’s delicate ecosystems. We stand at a crossroads. As we look to the stars in our quest for knowledge and exploration, we must not lose sight of our responsibility to future generations. The potential benefits of space travel must not blind us to the pressing need for sustainable practices on our home planet. We only have one Mother Earth, what you do in this lifetime will affect the future generation in theirs.”
In response, Christopher Basaldú, a member of the Carrizo/Comecrudo Tribe of Texas, issued the following statement:
“Again SpaceX launched an experimental rocket assembly without having all reasonable permits. They still lack permits for its water deluge system, the infrastructure for which was built without full permits. They also lack permits to allow launch wastewater to spill into wildlife refuge land. SpaceX continues to ignore key regulations and ignores the original people of the land, the Esto’k Gna, who have never given consent to destroy sacred lands and sacred sites. SpaceX doesn’t care for the land or our community and only wishes to profit from exploiting our communities and our beach and our land.”
Background: Residents and organizations from the Rio Grande Valley of Texas have spoken up about the environmental harms of SpaceX operations in their community. SpaceX has routinely closed beach access for long-time fisherman families, scorched the wildlife refuge, and threatened the health and safety of the community with explosions.
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