SpaceX seeks purchase of 1,200 acres adjacent to Starbase

SpaceX confirmed on Friday that it is negotiating to buy approximately 1,200 acres of public land near its launch site in South Texas.

The company clarified that the proposed transaction does not include any part of Boca Chica Beach. The land is currently managed by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission, with a portion believed to be part of Boca Chica State Park. SpaceX described the property as consisting primarily of mudflats and coastal dunes adjacent to its facility.

The company stated it intends to place 600 acres of the land under a permanent conservation easement. SpaceX noted that there are currently no hiking trails or campsites on the site. The company also stated that walking on the dunes is already prohibited.

SpaceX framed the sale as an opportunity for the state to invest the proceeds in parkland that would offer greater recreational value. The company argued that visitors to the area primarily come to view the Starship vehicle and the launch facility rather than to recreate on the mudflats. SpaceX asserted that the land provides limited recreational opportunities in its current state.

The company said it plans to secure the perimeter of the remaining 600 acres. SpaceX stated that unauthorized individuals are regularly caught trying to enter the area near its base. The company argued that an active launch facility involves complex and hazardous operations daily. It maintained that allowing unrestricted access to the adjacent area creates unnecessary risks.

Gina Hinojosa, the incoming Texas governor, has spoken against the sale. During her campaign, she accused outgoing Governor Greg Abbott of agreeing to sell the land to Elon Musk behind closed doors. Hinojosa said in an October statement that Abbott is handing over Texas land to the world's only trillionaire. She declared that Texas is not for sale.

Days after her electoral victory, Hinojosa said she spoke with leaders of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission. She formally requested that no action be taken on the sale during her administrative transition. The proposal was removed from the commission's November agenda after appearing on a draft. The current status of the proposed sale is unclear.