Elon Musk’s dream of Starbase, Texas, is coming true. Local voters have supported by large margins on the ballot the plan to turn most of this area into a new independent city. In the end, the reauthorization vote passed with a historic 97.7% approval. This outcome gives Starbase control over its own building and permitting processes, avoiding state regulatory obstacles, while allowing it to levy taxes and set up local ordinances. Musk took to his platform X, formerly known as Twitter, to announce the new milestone. To this, Musk responded, “Starbase, Texas, is now a real city!”
Starbase is situated on the shores of Boca Chica Bay, along the Texas Gulf coast and the border with Mexico. Since SpaceX opened this testing site in 2019, it has been the main nerve center for the company’s operations. It’s clear that Musk is genuinely trying to turn the barren site into an active and inclusive new community. This new development will be used to facilitate SpaceX’s rocket launches and other rocket-related activities.
Voting Composition and Result
The vote was largely limited to SpaceX employees and others with ties to the company. Only 283 eligible voters cast ballots in the whole region. Musk himself is even registered to vote in Starbase, a pointer to the billionaire’s personal stake in the area’s future. The overwhelming support for city status indicates a strong alignment with Musk’s vision among those who work closely with SpaceX.
Beyond greenlighting SpaceX’s projects, formalizing Starbase’s status would make it easier for SpaceX and other companies to move their operations there. This amendment will enhance the authority’s capacity to pursue construction and other infrastructure projects without external regulatory roadblocks. This autonomy represents a significant shift for the region, as it transitions from an unincorporated area to a fully recognized city.
Environmental Concerns Raised
Despite the fervent electoral support from voters, worries about environmental impact of opening up Starbase have started to come in. Texas and federal officials with the Environmental Protection Agency have blamed SpaceX for many of these spills and releases of pollutants. Each of these incidents had a major impact on local waterway in 2024. Now, local activists are concerned that the recent elevation to new city status will make these problems worse.
As Bekah Hinojosa, co-founder of the South Texas Environmental Justice Network, previously told GRIST, residents have serious concerns about SpaceX’s expanded operations. She fears the ecological damage these changes might cause. She cautioned that the company’s increased independence could result in more aggressive behavior. These amendments will be damaging to the environment and surrounding communities.
“They would attempt more illegal dumping, they would build up their dangerous rocket operations and cause more seismic activity, cause our homes to shake, and that they would destroy more of the wildlife habitat in the region.” – Bekah Hinojosa
This environmental injustice is especially pronounced given the historical use of the land by the Carrizo/Comecrudo Nation of Texas. This country owes a huge debt to the Indigenous tribes that once called this area home. Their grievances illustrate a larger, historical conflict between large development projects and the protection of local environments and history.
Regulatory Changes and Future Implications
Official designation of Starbase as a city would trigger real, potentially explosive economic development. It will force major changes in how local governance operates. Formerly unincorporated areas often struggle to keep up with fast-paced development while meeting the demands of environmental justice communities. Congratulations, Starbase, on your new VIP status! Now, it has the ability to craft regulations tailor-made to advance the unique needs of its community.
As a good example, a Texas House State Affairs committee just last week rejected a local bill. This bill would have provided coastal cities with commercial spaceports more authority and control over public beach access and use. Legislative dynamics like these highlight how highly charged the debate can be over development in areas where environmental priorities mix with economic dreams.