WASHINGTON — The Commerce Department announced this week that it has directed federal regulators to conduct a full review of California’s coastal management program, citing repeated concerns about the state’s handling of national defense, energy, and space infrastructure projects.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick transmitted a letter to Kevin Hassett, director of the White House National Economic Council, directing the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to formally evaluate California’s compliance with the Coastal Zone Management Act. The law requires states participating in the federal coastal management program to give priority consideration to orderly processes for siting facilities related to national defense, energy, ports, and transportation.
“America must continue to lead in innovation, space exploration, and economic strength,” Lutnick said. “Obstructionist policies that delay critical national infrastructure in the name of environmental extremism are unacceptable. NOAA will conduct its reviews consistent with the plain text of the CZMA, ensuring states give proper weight to economic development and the nation’s priorities.”
The action follows a review conducted under Executive Order 14335, issued in August 2025, which directed an examination of commercial space industry regulations. That review found no significant compliance concerns with Florida, Texas, or Virginia, but identified repeated issues with California, including multiple objections by the California Coastal Commission to spaceport-related proposals by the U.S. Air Force. The department said those objections introduced unnecessary delays to national projects and failed to adequately weigh federal agencies’ views as required by law.
The California Coastal Commission has faced additional scrutiny after issuing an apology to SpaceX over comments made by commission members regarding chief executive Elon Musk’s political affiliation.
NOAA’s review will examine California’s coastal management practices across a range of federal priorities, including spaceport infrastructure, offshore oil production, pipeline maintenance, desalination projects, and undersea cables. The agency will open a public comment period to gather stakeholder input, which will inform a determination on the future certification status of California’s coastal management program.
By: Big Sky Broadcasting Newswire