Cameron County officials review SpaceX permit amid public opposition at Boca Chica Beach

The Cameron Dune Protection Committee convened on July 3, 2025, to discuss a significant permit application from SpaceX for the construction of an air separator unit near Boca Chica Beach. The meeting began with public comments, where residents expressed strong opposition to the proposed project, citing concerns over environmental impacts and the preservation of local recreational spaces.

One resident, Miss Forrest, passionately urged the committee to reject the permit, emphasizing the importance of the dunes for community recreation and the negative consequences of SpaceX's operations on local properties. She highlighted the lack of a damage control plan from SpaceX, which has reportedly caused destruction in the area.

Rebecca Hinoza, co-founder of the South Texas Environmental Justice Network, echoed these sentiments, requesting that the committee recommend denial of the permit to the Cameron County commissioners. Hinoza called for a public hearing to allow for broader community input, arguing that the project would significantly harm the environment and the cultural significance of Boca Chica Beach.

Following public comments, the committee moved to the agenda item concerning the SpaceX permit application. The chair clarified that the committee's role was advisory, focusing on dune protection and not on granting building permits. The committee would provide recommendations to the Cameron County Commissioners Court, which would make the final decision.

The discussion included details about the permit application process, with the chair noting that the project must pass through multiple levels of review, including state and local assessments. The General Land Office (GLO) had already reviewed the application and issued a letter indicating no objections, provided that SpaceX adheres to specific conditions outlined in the dune protection plan.

Committee members raised questions about the supervision of the mitigation plan and compliance with beach access regulations. The Department of Resilience and Natural Resources was identified as the overseeing body responsible for ensuring that SpaceX meets all conditions of the permit.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to uphold community concerns while navigating the regulatory framework surrounding the permit application. The committee emphasized the importance of thorough review and public engagement in the decision-making process, with a public hearing scheduled to further discuss the implications of the proposed project.