Sun May 04 03:08:43 UTC 2025: ## SpaceX’s Starbase Officially Becomes a Texas City Amidst Controversy
**McALLEN, Texas —** Elon Musk’s SpaceX rocket facility, Starbase, has officially become a Texas city after a landslide victory in a Saturday election. The vote, overwhelmingly approved by the small number of primarily SpaceX employees eligible to participate, marks a significant milestone for Musk’s ambitious project. While Musk celebrated the news on X, the move has sparked considerable controversy.
Starbase, the launch site for SpaceX’s lunar and Martian missions, was first proposed as a city in 2021. The newly formed municipality’s creation comes amidst declining public approval for Musk and financial setbacks for Tesla.
While SpaceX’s investment and job creation in the area have garnered local support, critics express concerns over the implications of a company town. These concerns focus on the potential for Musk to exert excessive control over the region, particularly regarding access to Boca Chica Beach and State Park, frequently closed for launches and tests.
Pending state legislation aims to transfer control of the beach and park from Cameron County to the newly established Starbase city council, a move opposed by county officials and environmental groups. SpaceX argues that this shift is necessary to streamline launch operations and is seeking permission to increase annual launches from five to 25.
The South Texas Environmental Justice Network organized protests against the city’s incorporation, citing concerns about environmental justice and the disruption of long-standing community access to the beach. Residents voiced their concerns about unpredictable beach closures, disrupting traditional use and access to the area.
The controversial decision highlights the tension between economic development driven by SpaceX and the preservation of community access and environmental concerns. The future of Boca Chica Beach and the balance of power between SpaceX and the local community remain key areas of contention.
First Piper 