The FAA wants to waive some environmental review requirements for space companies. Critics worry they wouldn’t be held accountable for harming property or ecosystems.Starship's Super Heavy Booster splashes down for a water landing off Texas on Nov. 19, 2024. Chandan Khanna / AFP via Getty Images fileSept. 6, 2026, 7:00 AM EDTWhen companies like SpaceX want to launch rockets or build spaceports, they are required by law to assess how that could affect local ecosystems, wildlife, air, water and even nearby residents. The Federal Aviation Administration factors all of this in when deciding whether to grant licenses and permits. Soon, however, Elon Musk’s rocket company and others like it may get to bypass much of that.Just a moment.We are getting your experience ready.