Help Protect Louisiana’s Wetlands and Wildlife
The Federal Aviation Administration is proposing changes that could allow it to waive some of the environmental protections that apply to commercial space launch and reentry. The agency says the changes would streamline the approval process and reduce regulatory burdens.
The proposal takes on particular significance in Louisiana following the announcement of Starbase Louisiana in coastal Vermilion Parish.
On Aug. 24, LWF joined National Wildlife Federation and Pontchartrain Conservancy in submitting comments urging the FAA to withdraw or substantially revise the proposal and retain meaningful environmental review.
To voice your concerns to the FAA, register your comments here.
The FAA is accepting public comments through August 31, 2026. You don’t have to be an environmental expert to participate. You can use one of the suggested comments below as a starting point—or personalize it with your own experience and concerns.
Suggested comments
Option 1
I am a Louisiana resident and outdoor enthusiast who values our state’s wetlands, wildlife and fisheries. Our coastal marshes provide habitat for waterfowl, shorebirds, fish and other wildlife and support Louisiana’s hunting, fishing, birdwatching and other outdoors traditions.
I support responsible commercial space development, but it should not come at the expense of environmental protections. The FAA should retain meaningful environmental review for commercial space projects, particularly those proposed in sensitive coastal areas.
Please reconsider the proposed rule and maintain safeguards that help identify and address impacts to Louisiana’s wetlands, wildlife and fisheries.
Option 2
I am a Louisiana resident who cares deeply about protecting the natural resources that make our state unique. The announcement of Starbase Louisiana in coastal Vermilion Parish makes the FAA’s proposed changes especially important to Louisiana.
Our coastal wetlands protect communities, support fisheries and provide habitat for wildlife. Before large-scale development takes place in these sensitive areas, we need to understand its potential environmental impacts.
I support economic development and commercial space exploration, but Louisiana should not have to choose between economic opportunity and responsible environmental review. Please maintain meaningful environmental protections in the FAA’s commercial space licensing process.
Option 3
I am concerned about the FAA’s proposal to allow requirements under 13 federal laws to be waived for commercial space activities. These laws provide important protections for wetlands, water quality, endangered species, coastal resources and fish habitat.
Environmental review isn’t simply red tape. It helps identify potential impacts before they occur and find ways to avoid or minimize them.
As commercial space development moves into Louisiana’s coastal wetlands, the FAA should not create a blanket waiver of environmental requirements. Please retain project-level environmental review and limit waivers to genuine, documented, case-specific circumstances.