Waiver of Specified Statutory Requirements for Commercial Space Launch and Reentry Actions

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) 800 Independence Avenue SW Washington, DC 20591 Docket ID No. FAA-2026-8614 August 26, 2026 Re: Waiver of Specified Statutory Requirements for Commercial Space Launch and Reentry Actions Dear Administrator, Turtle Island Restoration Network (TIRN) is an active 501(c)3 non-profit organization whose mission is to mobilize people in local communities around the world to protect marine wildlife and the oceans and inland watersheds that sustain them. TIRN has remained a leading force in the protection and recovery of endangered and threatened species, driven by a long-standing commitment to preserving a healthy, blue-green planet for future generations. As an environmental non-profit organization with over three decades of experience, TIRN engages in science-based advocacy, habitat restoration, legal action, and public education to safeguard marine wildlife and their ecosystems. TIRN's work focuses on species like sea turtles, sharks, and whales, many of which are directly affected by the commercial fishing industry. Through hands-on conservation, policy, grassroots advocacy, and litigation, TIRN works to ensure vulnerable species have a voice. I am writing to submit my formal opposition to the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) proposed rulemaking that seeks to waive thirteen federal statutory requirements, primarily critical environmental protections, for commercial space launch and re-entry operations. While accelerating launch frequency is a notable industry goal, it cannot come at the expense of environmental integrity, public health, and basic legal recourse for affected communities. The space industry is growing quickly, but that growth should not come at the expense of our oceans and coastal communities. Space launches and re-entry activities can release pollutants and debris, create significant noise, and contribute to environmental impacts that deserve much more scrutiny before these activities are expanded. At a time when we are already working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect vulnerable ecosystems, the FAA should take a cautious approach rather than opening up areas for space launch and reentry without a clear understanding the consequences. Space launches and re-entry activities could have serious consequences for marine ecosystems, wildlife, and the people who depend on healthy coastal waters. Launch operations would create noise, air and water pollution, debris, and other disturbances. These impacts are not limited to wildlife. Coastal communities and businesses depend on clean water, healthy ecosystems, beaches, and access to the ocean. The ocean recreation and tourism economy generates more than $240 billion each year, and these industries depend on the very resources that could be affected by space operations. Construction, noise, poor air and water quality, rocket debris, petroleum fumes, marine mammal disturbances, and beach closures could all harm coastal economies and communities. We have already seen examples of the problems that can come with expanding space launch operations near coastal communities. In Texas, SpaceX launches have resulted in rocket debris entering protected wildlife habitat and have contributed to repeated closures of Boca Chica Beach. In California, increased launches from Vandenberg have raised concerns about impacts to marine mammals and public beach access. In Florida, communities have also raised concerns about the potential effects of increased launches on sea turtles, manatees, endangered whales, and water quality. We urge the FAA to take these concerns seriously before moving forward with space launch and re-entry activities. Our oceans and coastal communities already face significant pressures from climate change, pollution, development, fishing restrictions, and aging offshore and land-based infrastructure. Adding another industrial activity to these areas should not happen without a thorough evaluation of the enviro…