Cameron County judge reiterates opposition to SpaceX beach closure bill

Eddie Treviño Jr.

Cameron County Judge Eddie Treviño Jr. earlier this month reiterated his opposition to proposed legislation that would take away the county’s authority over closures of Boca Chica Beach and S.H. 4 during SpaceX operations on weekdays.

He did so on April 4 in the form of a letter to House State Affairs Committee Chairman Ken King and other committee members opposing House Bill 4660, authored by Rep. Janie Lopez (R-San Benito). The legislation calls for amending the Texas National Resources Code to “to provide sole authority to a municipality over Cameron County to close beach and road access for spaceflight activities during the weekdays,” Treviño wrote.

In the likely event that a Starbase incorporation ballot question passes during the May 3 Uniform Election, Starbase (Boca Chica Village) would become a municipality and thus have authority over closures. The bill also has the backing of Republican Reps. Greg Bonnen, Pat Curry, Marc LaHood and Dennis Paul.

Treviño was required by state law to call an election on incorporation of Starbase as a Type-C municipality (population 201 to 4,999) after the SpaceX community presented the county with a petition bearing the legally required number of names. Only residents of Starbase will be able to vote on the ballot question.

“For over a decade we have a long history of supporting SpaceX, its operations and each of its launches,” Treviño wrote. “SpaceX is a strong economic driver in our region, one of which we are extremely proud.”

The county has always maintained a high level of collaboration with SpaceX and worked closely with the company to help them succeed, while balancing public interest, he said in the letter.

“However, we believe that this bill does not serve the public interest and has received an overwhelmingly negative response from our local community,” Treviño wrote. “Through experience, Cameron County has shown the proper discretion and authority with respect to SpaceX, and any beach or road closures for spaceflight activities. These have been coordinated satisfactorily through the mutual collaboration of both parties and continue without this bill.”

The Senate version of the bill, SB 2188, authored by Sen. Adam Hinojosa (R-Corpus Christi), passed the Texas Senate on April 3. Both bills would retain the county’s authority over beach and road closures on weekends and after 12 p.m. on Fridays.

Treviño told The Herald Wednesday that he had not been able to get to Austin in time to attend the State Affairs Committee’s Monday hearing, though he had had discussions with some lawmakers while in the capital on other business this week.

“I’ve tried to meet with a few people while I’m up here and will continue to reach out to different members, explain and defend our position and go from there,” Treviño said.

Back home, he’s been making phone calls, sending emails and “everything else” to express the county’s opposition, Trevino said.

“I fully support SpaceX and what they’ve done and what they’re doing and what they plan to do, obviously with an eye to make sure that they always protect and not impact negatively the environment,” he said.

“The system that we’ve had in place since I took office has worked very, very well. We just think that that’s the best way to go, because that’s what’s been working. If it’s not broken it doesn’t to be fixed.”

The post Cameron County judge reiterates opposition to SpaceX beach closure bill appeared first on MyRGV.com.