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Coastal Commission Drops Permit, Apologizes to Musk Over Politics

4/30/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Coastal Commission apologized to SpaceX chief Elon Musk for improper statements about his political views.
The commission settled SpaceX’s lawsuit by dismissing the case and agreeing not to consider Musk’s political beliefs.
The settlement removed the coastal development permit requirement for SpaceX’s launch program.
The commission said it remains concerned about restricted public access and increased sonic booms from Vandenberg launches, noting authorities have not yet supplied impact data.

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Story summary

The Coastal Commission apologized to SpaceX chief Elon Musk for improper statements about his political views.
The commission settled SpaceX’s lawsuit by dismissing the case and agreeing not to consider Musk’s political beliefs.
The settlement removed the coastal development permit requirement for SpaceX’s launch program.
The commission said it remains concerned about restricted public access and increased sonic booms from Vandenberg launches, noting authorities have not yet supplied impact data.