Trump Administration Probes California Coastal Commission Over SpaceX Launches

The Trump administration has initiated a federal investigation into California's Coastal Commission. This probe stems from what the administration describes as "unfounded objections" raised by the commission regarding U.S. Air Force proposals. These objections, according to the administration, could lead to delays in SpaceX launches. The situation represents an escalation of ongoing disputes concerning offshore energy production and environmental oversight along California's Pacific coast.

In a separate but related action, the Trump administration has also filed federal lawsuits challenging new state laws enacted in California and Virginia. These laws impose restrictions on the sale of certain semiautomatic firearms. The Justice Department, acting on behalf of the administration, asserts that these state-level bans violate the Second Amendment rights of citizens. The legal challenges aim to overturn these firearm restrictions.

The investigation into the Coastal Commission highlights tensions between federal interests, particularly military and commercial space activities, and state environmental regulations. The administration's stance suggests a prioritization of expedited launch capabilities and potentially broader federal authority over state environmental review processes in this region. The lawsuits against California and Virginia underscore a broader federal effort to push back against state-level gun control measures, framing them as unconstitutional infringements on gun ownership rights.