Judge allows Texas land swap giving SpaceX over 700 wildlife refuge acres

…land to SpaceX and said it could allow construction activity to move into the refuge. He said the organisation would continue its legal challenge even after the judge refused to issue the preliminary injunction. “ This court order is not the final word. These lands hold incredible spiritual, historical and conservation value for the people and wildlife of South Texas. We won’t stop fighting to keep this irreplaceable public wildlife refuge safe from SpaceX bulldozers ,” Jordahl said in a statement as quoted by AP. The lawsuit has also raised concerns about the wider impact of SpaceX’s expansion in the area. Opponents have previously criticised the company over its growing footprint,…

…groups were right to argue that protecting wildlife and historical land serves the public interest, they had not shown that the property would suffer the type of damage required to justify a preliminary injunction. “ While they rightfully argue that the preservation of wildlife and historical lands furthers the public interest, they present no evidence demonstrating that the Property will suffer aesthetic, environmental, cultural, or historical degradation during the pendency of this lawsuit ,” Rodriguez wrote in his ruling. The judge also considered the possible effect of blocking the exchange on SpaceX. He said an injunction would require changes to the company’s development plans and could create…