The California Coastal Commission is not happy with either the Air Force or SpaceX regarding plans to significantly increase the number of SpaceX launches from Vandenberg Space Force Base.
The Commission felt that the military was blocking its efforts to secure a commitment to more comprehensive coastal environmental monitoring.
The Air Force wanted to expand its agreement with the State Coast Commission from six to 36 SpaceX flights per year from the base. There have been 25 flights from Vandenberg so far this year.
The Department of Defense agreed to several measures to mitigate some of the impacts of the flights, such as safety concerns at Jalama Beach in Santa Barbara County.
However, the commission called for improved monitoring of the coastal environment and more research into the effects of sonic booms on wildlife. The Air Force refused.
Air Force Colonel Dorian Hatcher says they are already doing a good job. “We are dedicated stewards, responsible members of the community and we recognize that it is not just our responsibility, it is our duty.” He pointed out that 40 people work on the environmental programs at the base.
But after providing a written response and a brief statement at the Coastal Commission hearing, Air Force representatives refused to answer questions.
“We are dealing with a federal agency that refuses to answer our own questions and those of the public,” said Dr. Caryl Hart, chair of the commission.
She said that was a real sticking point. “We are not prepared to carry out surveillance, the basic surveillance that is required by our conditions.”
Despite the differences of opinion, the Commission approved the overall agreement.
Whether the commission can actually regulate the number of launches from the base is a grey area. In the past, the commission and the military have worked together on such issues.
The Air Force has indicated plans to increase the number of SpaceX launches to 50 and then 100 over the next few years.