SpaceX is reportedly considering a land swap with the government

TEXAS — According to documents reviewed by The New York Times, the Trump administration is considering a land swap with SpaceX that would see Elon Musk’s company receiving over 700 acres of wildlife refuge in exchange for some of the company’s land approximately 20 miles away.

The land will be used to expand SpaceX’s operations in Cameron County, including rocket launch and production.

Opponents say that SpaceX’s use of the land could damage areas that are home to endangered species and Civil War-era artifacts. The company has already been the target of several environmentally based lawsuits regarding ecological damage near its launch sites.

The agreement would give SpaceX 775 acres of land in the Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge, which is a sanctuary for endangered species such as the ocelot and the jaguarundi. The land is also part of the Palmito Ranch Battlefield, home to the last land battle of the Civil War.

In exchange, the government would receive 692 acres of land in Cameron County about 20 miles away, which would be added to the Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge. Officials at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service say that the swap would be a net positive for conservation.

This is not the first time that SpaceX and the government have attempted a land swap, with a deal in place to trade nearly 43 acres in Boca Chica State Park in 2024. However, the company pulled out of the swap with no explanation of why.

Land swaps of this nature, regardless of the political party in charge, are not uncommon. However, such exchanges are usually much smaller in nature.

There is no word on whether SpaceX will be required to take steps to protect the affected wildlife habitats or cultural artifacts in the acquired area.