The FAA proposed waiving some environmental requirements for certain space launch and reentry licenses, a move the administration says would cut delays as commercial operations rise sharply.
The Trump administration is moving to ease environmental review requirements for some commercial rocket launch and reentry approvals, with the Federal Aviation Administration proposing waivers under 13 laws including the National Environmental Policy Act, the Endangered Species Act, and parts of the Clean Water and Clean Air acts. The administration says the change would remove duplicative reviews and speed permitting as commercial space activity expands, while leaving protections tied to public health and safety, property, national security and U.S. foreign policy interests intact. The proposal could benefit SpaceX, Blue Origin and other launch companies. The FAA said it authorized a record 205 commercial space operations in fiscal year 2025 and projects as many as 4,288 over the next decade. The rule follows an executive order from President Donald Trump last year directing Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy to eliminate or expedite environmental reviews for launch and reentry licenses, and it is now subject to a 30-day public comment period.