SpaceX and other rocket companies may soon be exempt from key environmental rules

The FAA wants to waive some environmental requirements for space companies like SpaceX. Critics worry they won’t be held accountable for damaging property or ecosystems.

When companies like SpaceX want to launch a rocket or build a spaceport, they are required by law to assess how that could affect local ecosystems, wildlife, air, water and even nearby residents. The Federal Aviation Administration factors all of this in when deciding whether to grant licenses and permits. Soon, however, Elon Musk’s rocket company and others like it may get to bypass much of that.

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