By Emily Engel
The U.S. Space Force has released a Request for Information seeking proposals to develop Space Launch Complex-14 at Vandenberg for super-heavy rockets, potentially SpaceX's Starship.
We have several concerns about how this expansion will impact our region. It has come to the attention of our chapter that Starship generates more than 16 million pounds of thrust as the world’s most powerful rocket and launches are already underway - impacting Santa Barbara, Ventura, and Los Angeles counties. Residents are reporting impacts and scientists are documenting wildlife impacts, such as disturbance in sea otters, harbor seals, and snowy plover populations on our shores.
It is time for the Sierra Club to add our voice to the conversation to strengthen community and environmental protection for our region. Join our new chapter committee on this topic today. The committee will meet monthly on ZOOM and track the issue on behalf of our chapter.
Contact Emily Engel to join the committee and/or report impacts. Let’s act today, go to: