Overview

• The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission voted to pursue a land exchange with SpaceX, swapping 43 acres of Boca Chica State Park for 477 acres adjacent to Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge.
• The decision has sparked opposition from South Texas residents and environmental groups, fearing potential harm to endangered species and loss of public beach access.
• SpaceX plans to use the acquired land for expansion, including employee housing and office space, as part of a massive project underway.
• Cameron County Judge Eddie Treviño Jr. now supports the swap for conservation reasons, highlighting the biodiversity of the land the state would receive.
• Environmental and Indigenous groups have raised concerns about the swap limiting access to sacred areas and potentially violating the rights of Indigenous people.