Texas lawmakers are currently considering legislation that could significantly expand SpaceX’s authority over public access to Boca Chica Beach, the coastal area adjacent to Elon Musk’s sprawling Starbase spaceport. A bill introduced by State Representative Eddie Morales would designate the company’s launch facility as “critical infrastructure,” putting it in the same legal category as airports, pipelines, and military installations.
If passed, the legislation would make unauthorized access or interference at the site a punishable offense under Texas law, effectively limiting public movement around the beach during launch operations or other declared security concerns. The classification would dramatically elevate the site’s security status and give SpaceX new leverage in managing the surrounding environment.
In addition to the critical infrastructure bill, lawmakers are also reviewing a separate proposal that would grant the governing body of Starbase—the newly incorporated municipality where SpaceX operations are centered—the authority to close off Boca Chica Beach to the public during weekdays. This power could be invoked without requiring state-level approval, a move critics argue is designed to sidestep the Texas Open Beaches Act, which protects public access to coastal areas.
The proposals have sparked backlash from environmentalists, beachgoers, and civil liberties groups. They argue that the measures amount to privatization of public land, raising alarms about setting a precedent where influential private entities can control shared natural resources. Opponents also cite concerns over environmental degradation and beach erosion, which have worsened with increased rocket testing in the area.
Proponents, including Morales and other lawmakers allied with Musk’s ventures, insist the legislation is necessary for safety and economic growth. They argue that the beach must be secured given its proximity to active rocket testing and development. They also highlight the billions of dollars in private investment SpaceX has poured into the region, transforming it into a major hub of aerospace innovation.
The town of Starbase, which Elon Musk informally announced in 2021 and later initiated incorporation procedures for, has been a point of contention ever since. Critics question the legitimacy of the municipal governance structure and worry that giving Starbase control over public land without sufficient checks could lead to overreach. Legal experts are also examining whether such actions could be challenged in court under state constitutional protections for public beach access.
This isn’t the first time Musk’s ambitions at Boca Chica have clashed with Texas residents and regulators. In 2022, a legal battle emerged after SpaceX requested multiple beach closures that blocked public access for extended periods. Conservation groups and local activists have filed lawsuits challenging the expansion of launch activities in the region, citing damage to wildlife habitats and restricted recreational use.
As debate continues in the Texas House this week, public hearings are drawing large crowds on both sides of the issue. Lawmakers are expected to amend and possibly vote on the legislation in the coming days. If approved, the measures could set a precedent for how Texas handles the balance between public rights and private enterprise in high-tech sectors like aerospace.
