SpaceX wins OK to build plant that creates liquid oxygen for rockets near South Texas beach

AI generated summary

SpaceX has received approval from Cameron County to construct an air separator facility near South Texas beach, which will produce liquid oxygen and nitrogen for rocket launches. The facility will be situated less than 300 feet from local sand dunes, raising concerns among residents about its potential impact on local vegetation and wildlife. The project includes 20 structures on 1.66 acres, with a 159-foot tower, and aims to streamline the delivery of gases needed for launches, reducing reliance on truck deliveries from Brownsville.

Despite the approval, local residents and environmental advocates expressed dissatisfaction with the project's details and the limited public input period. The county has mandated that SpaceX restore or replace any damaged dunes, with monitoring to ensure compliance. Critics argue that the county's decision reflects a tendency to prioritize SpaceX's interests over environmental concerns, highlighting ongoing tensions between the company and the local community.