Receipts, Proof & Timeline: Musk Vs. CA Coastal Commission

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Elon Musk is firing back—this time, at California's Coastal Commission.

SpaceX has filed a federal lawsuit accusing the agency of political bias after it rejected a plan that would have allowed the company to increase rocket launches at Vandenberg Space Force Base.

The decision, made by a commission that Musk's legal team claims is more interested in punishing him for his political views than protecting the coastline, is at the center of this growing legal battle.

Quick Catchup

In a lawsuit filed in Los Angeles federal court, SpaceX’s attorneys argue that the Coastal Commission’s vote against a Department of Defense proposal to increase rocket launches from 36 to 50 per year was rooted in “naked political discrimination.”

The complaint points out that several commissioners appeared more interested in Musk’s personal politics than the actual environmental impact of the launches.

Key Points from the Lawsuit

• The Coastal Commission voted 6-4 to block the Department of Defense's proposal last Thursday.

• SpaceX attorneys claim the decision was based on Musk’s political views rather than environmental concerns.

• The lawsuit accuses the commission of engaging in “political retribution.”

• Video evidence shows the discussion during the hearing heavily focused on Musk’s political stances for conservative causes and his support for former President Trump.

Military Concerns? Or Political Bias?

The Coastal Commission consists of 12 members appointed by the Governor and legislative leaders. During the hearing:

• The commissioners did voice concerns about SpaceX’s operations being primarily military-focused.

• But the lawsuit points to video evidence from the hearing that shows a debate dominated by political undertones.

Receipts, Proof, Timeline

Conservative commentator Hugh Hewitt has laid out why Musk has a strong case against the Coastal Commission, arguing that the panel’s actions amount to political retribution, essentially violating Musk’s civil rights based on his political activity. And as the “Housewives” say, the video of the hearing might just lay out the “Receipts, Proof, and Timeline”.

A Little Deeper

🔗The lawsuit names the commission, its executive director, Kate Huckelbridge, and alternate commissioner Gretchen Newsom—no, she is not related to Governor Newsom. She was appointed to the panel in 2023.

🔗Newsom is a Democratic labor organizer and was particularly critical of Musk during the hearing.

🔗Newsom, who appears to be an outspoken supporter of Democratic causes and candidates, was seen as focusing on Musk’s political ties more than on environmental or public safety concerns.

🔗Newsom took shots at Musk’s support for former President Trump and pointed to sexual harassment investigations and allegations of a toxic workplace culture at Musk’s companies, including SpaceX and Tesla.

🔗One look at Newsom’s social media, you will see she is very against Space X, Musk and is supporting Kamala Harris for the White House.

🔗Musk’s legal team insists that “politics should be left out of California Coastal Commission votes.”

What’s Next?

This legal battle could reshape the way California handles future space operations. With high stakes for both SpaceX and the state’s role in the aerospace industry, this one is just getting started.

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