Long Beach residents oppose SpaceX expansion citing environmental and social justice concerns

Concerns over SpaceX's operations in Long Beach dominated the recent City Council meeting, with multiple speakers urging the council to reconsider the company's presence in the city. Activists from the Feminist Uprising and local residents voiced strong opposition, framing the issue as not just environmental but also a matter of social justice.

One speaker passionately represented her ancestors and future generations, calling for the council to take a stand against what she described as a "Nazi" figure in Elon Musk. She emphasized the diverse voices of Long Beach, urging the council to allow community discussions on SpaceX's impact.

Ashley, another co-founder of the Feminist Uprising, highlighted the environmental risks associated with SpaceX, labeling the situation as "ecocide." She argued that the operations threaten the health of marginalized communities, particularly women of color, who disproportionately suffer from environmental harm. "True gender justice cannot be separated from environmental justice," she stated, calling for a shift towards prioritizing community needs over corporate interests.

Jennifer Cohen, also from the Feminist Uprising, echoed these sentiments, expressing frustration that the council seemed to prioritize SpaceX over the voices of Long Beach residents. She pointed out the growing petition against SpaceX and questioned how the council could reconcile its values of youth empowerment with the presence of a company that has publicly attacked LGBTQ+ communities.

Meg Dahlke, another local activist, warned that allowing SpaceX to expand would exacerbate existing environmental issues, including high pollution levels in Long Beach. She urged the council to listen to constituents and invest in community needs rather than corporate ambitions.

Serenity Vejar, a biology student and daughter of longshoremen, raised concerns about SpaceX's anti-union stance and its potential harm to both the community and the environment. She cited alarming statistics about the carbon footprint of SpaceX launches, arguing that the company contradicts Long Beach's environmental goals.

The meeting underscored a growing movement among Long Beach residents to challenge corporate influence and advocate for environmental and social justice. As the council considers its next steps, the voices of concerned citizens are likely to play a crucial role in shaping the future of SpaceX in the city.