US plans environmental waivers for space launches

The United States said Tuesday it plans to let some environmental requirements be waived for commercial space launches, reentries and spaceport operations as it seeks to speed the private space industry.

The Trump administration’s proposed rule would allow requirements under 13 federal laws to be waived for certain commercial space licences and permits. The Federal Aviation Administration said those laws would include the Endangered Species Act, parts of the Clean Water Act, the Clean Air Act and the National Historic Preservation Act.

The FAA said waiving those requirements would speed approvals to launch rockets, reenter spacecraft and operate launch and reentry sites.

Transportation chief Sean Duffy said the change was needed to remove government red tape as the United States competes with China in space. China aims to send humans to the Moon by 2030, while the United States is pursuing its own lunar exploration programme.

The private space sector has grown steadily since the early 2000s, especially in the United States. SpaceX, owned by Elon Musk, carried out a record 165 orbital launches in 2025 and conducted several test flights of its Starship megarocket.

Launches from a Texas base near protected natural areas have drawn criticism from advocacy groups in recent years. Brett Hartl, government affairs director of the Center for Biological Diversity, said the group would fight the proposal, calling it an “obscene giveaway to special interests”.

The proposed rule includes a 30-day public comment period and could still be modified.