Boca Chica, Texas

Defenders of Wildlife calls for a more in-depth environmental impact study (EIS) after a fire, caused by a SpaceX rocket, scorched 68 acres of protected refuge surrounding the launch site.   

Senior Texas Representative for Defenders of Wildlife, Sharon Wilcox, released the following statement in response to the recent fire:
 
“This latest fire illustrates the disastrous effects these experimental launches have on protected lands and wildlife, including rare and endangered species. These are not anomalous events. They are a regular byproduct of SpaceX launches. We need a more in-depth environmental impact study for the Boca Chica, Texas launch site before these types of activities become more frequent and the damage to the surrounding habitat and wildlife is compounded.”

Image
SpaceX publich road with wildlife crossing sign, SpaceX Launch Site
Sharon Wilcox/Defenders of Wildlife

For over 75 years, Defenders of Wildlife has remained dedicated to protecting all native animals and plants in their natural communities. With a nationwide network of nearly 2.1 million members and supporters, Defenders of Wildlife is a leading advocate for innovative solutions to safeguard our wildlife for generations to come. To learn more, please visit https://defenders.org/newsroom or follow us on X @Defenders.

  

Media Contact

Senior Texas Representative

News

Image
wolverine
Washington, D.C.

House Interior Bill Attacks Crucial Protections for Imperiled Wildlife and Public Lands

Defenders of Wildlife today slammed the House Appropriations Committee’s proposed Interior and Environment spending bill for Fiscal Year 2027, which includes numerous damaging policy riders intended to weaken the Endangered Species Act and undermine protections for individual species.
Image
gray wolf laying in snow looking at the camera
Denver, CO

Defenders Backs Colorado, Calls on Federal Government to Push Onward with Gray Wolf Reintroduction

Defenders of Wildlife sent a comment letter to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today in response to a public request for information, urging continued