Proposed Bill Transfers Boca Chica Beach Control to Starbase
McALLEN — Texas lawmakers are considering a legislative measure that would shift control of access to Boca Chica Beach, located near the SpaceX launch site, from Cameron County to the forthcoming city of Starbase. The decision comes as residents prepare to vote on the city’s incorporation in May.
Details of the Bill
Senate Bill 2188, introduced by Senator Adam Hinojosa, seeks to grant Starbase authority over weekday beach closures, while Cameron County would maintain control during weekends and Friday afternoons. This legislation aims to simplify the beach closure process, though it does not increase the frequency of closures permitted for SpaceX activities.
Closure Parameters
Currently, SpaceX has federal authorization to close Boca Chica Beach for operational purposes up to 500 hours each year, plus an additional 300 hours for unforeseen anomalies. The bill stipulates a 48-hour public notice requirement prior to beach closures, adhering to existing state laws that prevent issues on certain holidays.
Rationale for the Bill
Hinojosa has articulated that the intent of this measure is to facilitate better management of beach closures, emphasizing the economic significance of Starbase and SpaceX’s role in national security. “It is critical to streamline administrative processes while maintaining local oversight,” he remarked during a legislative hearing.
Companion Legislation
Additionally, Senator Hinojosa’s companion legislation, which passed on the same day, would impose legal penalties on individuals remaining in FAA-designated hazard zones during launch closures. This measure categorizes such violations as a Class B misdemeanor, escalating to a Class A misdemeanor for repeat offenses.
Local Responses
A coalition of local nonprofits has raised alarms regarding the bill, citing environmental concerns and public access restrictions as potential negative outcomes. Josette Angelique Hinojosa, co-founder of the South Texas Environmental Justice Network, critiqued legislators, alleging they favor SpaceX at the expense of residents’ voices and access to Boca Chica Beach for recreational activities.
The Cameron County Commissioners Court has expressed unanimous disapproval of the proposed legislation, asserting that maintaining local authority is vital to ensure balance between SpaceX’s operations and public accessibility. County Judge Eddie Treviño voiced concerns, emphasizing the need for both support of SpaceX and retention of public beach access.
The Legislative Path Ahead
The proposition must receive approval from the state House of Representatives to become law. In relation, Representative Janie Lopez has introduced a similar bill that is currently under consideration in the House Committee for State Affairs.
