FAA Seeks to Ditch 13 Laws for Smoother Space Rocket Launches
Published Date: 7/30/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
FAA proposes to amend its commercial space licensing regulations to streamline the licensing process and reduce regulatory burden for applicants. Specifically, FAA proposes to invoke the Secretary of Transportation's statutory authority to waive requirements of laws of the U.S. for a license or permit, after consultation with the head of the appropriate executive agency, when the requirement is not necessary to protect the public health and safety, safety of property, and national security and foreign policy interests of the United States. FAA proposes waiving requirements under 13 laws for commercial space licenses and permits to operate a launch site, licenses to operate a reentry site, experimental permits, and licenses to operate a launch or reentry vehicle.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Waiver of 13 Federal Laws
FAA proposes to waive requirements of 13 Federal laws for certain commercial space licenses and permits issued or modified on or after [EFFECTIVE DATE OF FINAL RULE]. The listed laws include: the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA); the Department of Transportation Act; Endangered Species Act; Clean Water Act; Coastal Zone Management Act; Clean Air Act; National Historic Preservation Act (Section 106); Marine Mammal Protection Act; Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act; Wild and Scenic Rivers Act; Noise Control Act; Rivers and Harbors Act; and National Marine Sanctuaries Act. The waiver would apply to licenses to operate a launch site, licenses to operate a reentry site, experimental permits, and licenses to operate a launch or reentry vehicle.
Faster, Lower-Cost Licensing Process
FAA expects the proposed amendments would significantly reduce the time required to obtain commercial space licenses and permits and would significantly reduce costs and time to prepare required Environmental Assessments (EAs) and Environmental Impact Statements (EISs). FAA explicitly invites comment on the expected savings from these proposals.
No Significant Small-Entity Impact Claimed
Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act, FAA certifies that this proposed rule would not result in a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. FAA states there are no significant economic impacts to small businesses from the proposed amendments.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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