(Cape Canaveral, FL) - SpaceX, Blue Origin could receive streamlined launch approval if the FAA waives certain environmental rules including EPA, Endangered Species, Clean Water and Air acts.
Biological Diversity Government Affairs director Brett Hartl says the move is a giveaway to special interests. He says there has been no problem with permitting launches so far.
But the launch frequency especially in Florida is expected to explode. Last year there were a record 205 commercial space operations authorized by the FAA with SpaceX aimed to reach 10,000 launches annually within the next five years.
The Trump administration calls the environmental laws and regulations "unnecessary."
Hartl disagrees and says the recent explosion of a Blue Origin rocket on the launch pad at Cape Canaveral potentially caused extensive environmental damage.
He adds that, "another recent rocket explosion in mid-air caused the FAA to close down airspace to avoid debris hitting airplanes."
He says the proposed FAA envirnmental waiver will be challenged in court.